During China’s National Day holiday from October 1 to 7, GuangdongProvince received 58.48 million tourists, marking a 6.2% increase compared with the same period last year, according to data from the provincial Department of Culture and Tourism. The province’s tourism revenue reached 53.69 billion yuan during the break, with an 8.9% year-on-year increase. Notably, 4A-rated and higher scenic spots saw 20.79 million visitors, up 8.7%, while cultural and historical destinations, including red tourist sites, also attracted millions of visitors, contributing to this growth.
Diverse cultural tourism products enrich visitors’ experiences
GuangdongProvince organized various cultural and artistic events to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, including the “To Lingnan” performance series, which featured hundreds of high-quality exhibitions and performances. Many of these performances were free or low-cost for entrance to ensure widespread public access, enriching people’s cultural lives and fostering a love of the arts.
The GuangdongMuseum hosted unique activities such as “The China Red in GuangdongMuseum,” “Chaozhou Woodcarving Exhibition,” and interactive experiences like jewelry crafting. These events activated the museum’s collections, drawing active participation from a wide range of visitors.
Local initiatives drive cultural and tourism consumption
Cities across Guangdonglaunched their own initiatives to boost tourism. The concert “Where the Mountain Songs Echo” by the famous singer Dao Lang, in Guangzhou attracted over 24,000 attendees nationwide. Shenzhen offered 10,000 low-altitude flight experience coupons and over 10,000 free and discounted tickets for scenic spots. Other cities, like Zhuhai and Dongguan, introduced immersive cultural experiences, while Foshan and Huizhou held culinary festivals, integrating food and culture to attract tourists.
Bringing Lingnan cultural charm to life
Throughout the province, cultural departments organized a wide array of events to highlight the unique charm of Lingnan culture. In Shaoguan, the “Danxia Night of Intangible Cultural Heritage” event featured traditional tea-picking opera and Wing Chun martial arts, while Shantou held a vibrant series of youth parades and Yingge dance performances on the beach. These activities provided a glimpse into the rich heritage of the region and brought the festivities to life for both locals and tourists.
Meizhou hosted the Chinese (Meizhou) Rice Wine Culture Week, which featured the famous “Fire Dragon” dance performance, drone shows, and traditional Hakka songs. Meanwhile, Yangjiang and Zhanjiang both organized events to celebrate the harvest season, showcasing local agricultural traditions.
Guangdong’scultural richness, paired with exciting tourism activities, drew millions of visitors over the National Day holiday, affirming its status as one of China’s premier holiday destinations. From ancient traditions to modern innovations, the region showcased its diverse appeal, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all who visited.
Reporter | Nick
Photo |Guangzhou Municipal Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism Burea
Editor | Nan, Will, James