Tourists watch a dragon dance at the Langshan Mountain scenic area. [Photo by Peng Changqing for en.nantong.gov.cn]

Jiangsu's Nantong city welcomed over 6.5 million tourists during the eight-day Spring Festival holiday, which ended on Feb 17, marking a 47.2 percent increase from the previous year.

The city generated 4.81 billion yuan ($668.72 million) during the same period, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 37.5 percent.

Nantong organized a raft of folk activities, local attractions witnessed flocks of tourists, and cultural facilities held a variety of activities to celebrate the annual festival.

The folk art-themed parade in Chongchuan district aired on China Central Television (CCTV), featuring stunning elements such as a Hai'an flower drum, a Rugao puppet show, Haimen folk songs, and more. The parade drew an audience of over 66,000 on the day.

Fireworks display at Xiaoyangkou Resort. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

The folk art performances, intangible cultural heritage experience activities, and lantern riddles guessing at the Beishi scenic area in Ancient Tangzha Town were attended by nearly 140,000 individuals.

Among Nantong's various attractions, Haohe River, Five Mountains area, Nantong Forest Safari Park, Ancient Bencha Town, and Beishi scenic area received the most visitors.

During the eight-day holiday, the Five Mountains area greeted over 560,000 tourists, Nantong Forest Safari Park welcomed nearly 150,000 visitors, and Ancient Bencha Town entertained more than 100,000 tourists.

The Nantong Museum launched dragon cultural relic-themed exhibitions, Nantong Library arranged themed reading activities, and the Nantong Art Museum offered three painting exhibitions for the holiday.