The Qixi Festival, a significant event in the Chinese lunar calendar, has driven substantial growth in the domestic tourism sector over the weekend.

Data from major online travel agencies (OTAs) revealed a year-over-year increase in local and regional travel bookings by 37 percent and 82 percent from August 9 to 11. Additionally, themed hotel accommodations saw nearly a 100 percent increase in reservations.

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Guangdong province has been a focal point for both domestic and international tourists, offering a range of cultural experiences. Shenzhen, in particular, attracted a large influx of visitors from Hong Kong, keen to engage in Qixi-related activities. Popular tourism themes included nocturnal tours, live concerts, and meteor shower observations.

In Guangzhou, cultural programming focused on traditional Chinese wedding customs, attracting widespread interest. Baiyun International Airport featured exhibits on historical wedding attire, while Nansha district hosted a collective wedding ceremony, rooted in local customs. The Guangdong Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum and Guangzhou Museum also organized events that showcased traditional practices and craftsmanship.

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Shenzhen experienced a marked increase in hotel bookings by Hong Kong residents, with demand doubling compared to the prior weekend. 

Tourism analytics indicated a notable increase in hotel bookings among older adults, with those over 60 years of age representing 7 percent of the total, up from 4 percent the previous year. Major urban centers like Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Chengdu remained top destinations during the Qixi Festival.

This article has been translated from the original report in Chinese as published on Southcn.com, the official website of Nanfang Daily Media Group