Mountain scenic spots across China greeted throngs of visitors on Thursday, the first day of the week-long National Day holiday, with sea-of-cloud vistas, immersive performances and newly-opened access routes luring tourists to celebrate the 77th birthday of the People’s Republic of China.
In central China’s Hunan Province, magnificent sea-of-cloud scenery unfolded at the summit of Zhurong Peak in Hengshan Mountain, drawing tourists from across the country.
Local tourism authorities said the Nanyue scenic area, home to Zhurong Peak, received 128,500 visitors on Thursday, a year-on-year increase of 9.18 percent.
During the holiday which runs from Oct.1-7, multiple departments including public security, culture and tourism, transport, health, fire services and the scenic area administration are fully staffed to step up patrols and maintain order, so as to ensure safe trips for visitors.
At the Chengde Mountain Resort in north China’s Hebei Province – an area which boasts the world’s largest existing imperial garden and temple complex and is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site – visitors on Thursday admired the autumn scenery and explored the site’s historical heritage, celebrating the holiday in a lively atmosphere.
The scenic area has also introduced a range of cultural experiences and immersive interactive programs for the holiday, adding further enjoyment to these picturesque gardens and lakes.
“I toured the resort and appreciated the ancient architecture. We also got to take part in this interactive event and sing patriotic songs together with other people. I’m really thrilled,” said Tang Shicheng, a tourist from east China’s Shandong Province.
Holiday visitor traffic at the resort is expected to peak between Oct. 2 and Oct. 5.
In Datong City of north China’s Shanxi Province, the Hengshan Mountain Scenic Area also saw a visitor surge on Thursday.
The famous Hengshan Mountain and Hanging Temple, or Xuankong Temple, received a combined 29,954 tourists, up 31.91 percent year on year.
The Hanging Temple is hosting a series of cultural performances during the holiday, helping travelers learn more about the site’s history.
“It’s breathtaking. I got to see the magnificent landscape of our motherland. The scenery is spectacular and beautiful,” said a tourist.
On the Hengshan Mountain, special live-action shows that blend local culture, martial arts elements and natural landscapes are also available, allowing holidaymakers to admire the scenery and enjoy the shows at the same time.
In east China’s Anhui Province, Huangshan Mountain’s eastern gate opened for the first time, creating a four-entry access system for the scenic area.
The eastern gate has no hiking trails; visitors can only enter the mountain by cable car.
It is Huangshan’s longest cable car path, stretching 6,638 meters with a vertical drop of 1,197 meters. The one-way ride takes 30 minutes, with a capacity of carrying 2,100 passengers per hour in one direction.
Every night during the National Day holiday, Tanjiaqiao Town, where the eastern gate is located, hosts live mountain-and-water shows, intangible cultural heritage parades and fireworks displays, delivering a feast of landscape and culture for visitors.
China’s mountain resorts draw crowds with stunning views, cultural events during National Day holiday
Chongqing, a municipality in southwestern China, has seen a surge in inbound tourism during the week-long National Day holiday, as overseas visitors flock to experience its iconic mountain landscapes and distinctive cuisine.
Celebrations kicked off Thursday to mark China’s National Day, launching the annual “Golden Week” holiday through Oct. 7, as the nation celebrates the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
The holiday has boosted daily passenger traffic at Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport, with daily inbound and outbound trips expected to peak at over 10,000, official data shows.
This influx of travelers has translated into a sharp rise in foot traffic across the city’s key scenic spots.
At the hillside Hongyadong scenic area, lights illuminate rows of traditional stilted buildings as night falls. The iconic skyline has become a popular spot for foreign tourists to capture photos and enjoy the night view.
Situated along the Jialing River, the former ancient city gate site has been transformed into a massive multi-tiered complex featuring local restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues.
“Honestly, we are all really surprised. We weren’t expecting such beauty. So yeah, we’re really happy about it,” said Serravalle Giulia, an Italian tourist.
Beyond the night views, Chongqing’s renowned local cuisine is another major draw for international travelers. From riverside dishes and hotpot to traditional street snacks, the city’s signature hot, fresh, and savory flavors have won praise from overseas visitors.
“I like its flavor, because it’s really strong. It’s a completely different diet, because in Italy, we have a lot of carbohydrates. And here, there are a lot of spices, the vegetables and a lot of meat and fish as well. In Italy, too, but it is spicy. This is different,” said Consalvo Elaisa, another Italian tourist.
During this year’s National Day holiday, Chongqing’s scenic areas also launched a series of special activities, including folk performances, allowing foreign tourists to experience diverse Chinese culture.
Meanwhile, hundreds of tax refund shops and currency exchange outlets across the city are making shopping and spending more seamless for international visitors.
The tourism surge reflects the impact of China’s continuously optimized entry policies in recent years. Expanded visa-free access, streamlined payment systems, and enhanced port services have made it increasingly convenient for overseas travelers to explore the country.
Inbound tourism surges in Chongqing during National Day holiday
