Shanghai experiences tourism boom during Dragon Boat Festival

During the recent Dragon Boat Festival holiday, Shanghai experienced a notable increase in tourism, as revealed by the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism.

The city attracted a total of 6.48 million visitors, who collectively spent 12.48 billion yuan ($1.73 billion) on tourism-related dining, accommodation, transportation, attractions, shopping, and entertainment. This figure marked a 3.3-percent increase compared to the same holiday period last year.

Hotels and guesthouses reported an average occupancy rate of 59 percent, a slight uptick of 1 percentage point from the previous year. Meanwhile, major tourist destinations across the city welcomed 2.27 million visitors, showcasing Shanghai's enduring appeal as a travel destination.

Cultural events also played a significant role in boosting tourism during the holiday. A total of 447 performances were held over the three-day period, drawing in 379,000 spectators and generating approximately 103 million yuan in ticket sales — a remarkable 156.27-percent increase year-on-year.

A night event featuring hanfu, or traditional Chinese attire, is held in Zhujiajiao Ancient Town. [Photo/WeChat ID: shanghaitourism]

To enhance the holiday experience, Shanghai's city authorities offered an exciting blend of culture, tourism, commerce, sports, and exhibitions. Traditional activities like dragon boat races at Meilan Lake and cultural fairs in Zhujiajiao and Sijing ancient towns proved particularly popular among visitors.

In celebration of International Children's Day, which coincided with the holiday, Shanghai offered a plethora of family-friendly activities. Shanghai Disney Resort kicked off its "Student Month" promotion, while Shanghai Happy Valley presented a steampunk-themed interactive puppet parade, delighting children and adults alike.

A steampunk-themed interactive puppet parade is held in Shanghai Happy Valley. [Photo/WeChat ID: shanghaitourism]

Furthermore, museums and galleries showcased a diverse range of exhibitions, including "Precious Rarities: Ming and Qing Rhinoceros Horn Carvings" at the Shanghai Museum and "I. M. Pei: Life is Architecture" at the Power Station of Art, enriching the holiday's cultural offerings.

The "China's Dinosaur World" exhibition is hosted at the Shanghai Natural History Museum. [Photo/WeChat ID: shanghaitourism]