Zhuhai more popular than ever over holiday weekend

Spending was up 28.2 percent to 405 million yuan ($62 million) as 596,800 tourists celebrated the three-day New Year holiday in Zhuhai. The visitor number itself was an increase of 20.7 percent including 217,000 overnight guests, a hike of 18.5 percent.

Fine weather graced the pleasant coastal climate, while a wide range of characteristic travel products was another strong attraction, according to the Culture, Sports & Tourism Bureau.

Highlighted as a blend of sports and tourism, the Xiangzhou-organized Martial Arts Cultural Festival attracted a great deal of participation. Three-hundred masters from 10 schools displayed their prowess in 30 different martial arts styles and watched fierce matches between superior boxers at Ningxi Cultural Square in Xiangzhou.

At Haibin Beach in Jida, the joys of cycling and treasure hunting were mixed and maximized along with performances and gourmet food during the eighth edition of the Greenway Carnival. 

Lovers Road and Yeli Island at sunset [Photo by Zhong Fan / Zhuhai Daily]

Traditional folk art, such as a Sea Lion Dance on high poles and Sanzao Crane Dance -- a national intangible cultural heritage item -- were performed in Jinwan and Doumen districts. There, a good blend of local cultural characteristics and coastal elements is making countryside tourism even more popular, according to an official.

Tangjiawan Town in the meantime showcased its historical humanism and charms at a series of celebrations held in the Zhuhai National Hi-tech Industrial Development Zone.

Tourists at the Wanshan Marine Development Experimental Zone were served up a variety of delicious seafood selections and given the opportunity to choose their favorites.

Themed park parades and health-preserving hot spring services have been upgraded to make those calling cards of Zhuhai tourism more attractive. Chimelong International Ocean Resort in Hengqin New Area launched a grand New Year's Eve gala while Zhuhai Ocean Spring Resort in Jinwan attracted droves of families to experience a hot spring cultural extravaganza.