The Spring Festival, Chinese Lunar New Year, brought huge benefits to China?s tourism market. A lot more people chose to travel during the seven-day holiday this year. Some went to see famous historical sites and cultural relics; some found places to experience rural lives; others simply travel with their own characteristics.
Lijiang: A Hot Attraction of Ethnical Culture
The ancient town of Lijiang, a World Cultural Heritage site, attracts tourists with not only its splendid natural landscape, but its ethnic culture and customs. Its culture industry is made up of four parts: Naxi Classic Music, Dongba Culture, privately managed cultural institutes and the protection of cultural relics. All together, they form the trademark of Lijiang?s tourism.
At present, the output of culture industry occupies one-third of the economic targets of Lijiang?s tourism industry. It brings in more than 100 million yuan (US$12 million) to the local revenue. Enjoying Naxi Classic Music and visiting the Mu Family Mansion and the Baisha Murals are the ?must? for tourists. While appreciating the ethnic cultures and customs of northwest Yunnan, tourists are also deeply moved by the historic value of Lijiang.
Bo?ao Becomes a New Destination in Hainan
In addition to the famous End of the Earth and Nanshan Cultural Area, Bo?ao has become a hot scenic spot in Hainan. According to the statistics provided by the Hainan Tourism Bureau, Bo?ao received more than 10,000 tourists per day from February 1-5.
The beautiful scene, well-protected environment and the famous conference hall built for the Asian Forum attract travelers to Bo?ao. Tourists can play with the waves on the Jade Belt Beach or visit the conference center of the Asia Forum. Lu Yedong, manager of Bo?ao Yacht Company, said that more than 6,000 tourists per day had a cruise in Bo?ao during the Spring Festival holiday, much more than previous holidays.
?Experiencing Tour? Popular in the Chaozhou-Shantou Area
?Experiencing tour? is becoming popular in the Chaozhou-Shantou area of Guangdong Province. During this Spring Festival, many city dwellers went to the countryside to experience the rustic rural life or take part in activities such as rock-climbing.
?Experiencing tour? is a program designed by travel agencies to let tourists enjoy the real pleasure from the journey. The program caters to some consumers? desire to travel in a new fashion. Many tourists believe that participation in some activities is more important than just admiring the landscapes. Mr. Xu, a man in charge of a travel agency in Shantou, introduced that new programs, such as ?Attending a Farmer?s Feast in Raoping?, ?Visiting the Green Island Villa? and ?Rafting and Rock-climbing at Changtai,? were all full from the first day of the festival. Most of the participants are youngsters.
Individualistic Tour in Tianjin
These days, many tourists are tired of being rushed here and there, having just enough time to take pictures in different spots. Some individualistic tour programs have appeared in Tianjin, while some try to enjoy more of the nature and others prefer to travel alone.
Zheng Bin, who works with a foreign-funded company, is 26 years old. In the past three years since he took this job, he has made a special deposit, 300 yuan (US$36) every month, for his travels. He travels once a year and always by himself. The year before he visited the western part of China, and during the past Spring Festival, he toured Tibet. He said he enjoys the beauty of loneliness.
Clubs for exploration activities are becoming increasingly popular in Tianjin, attracting many young people. These clubs also serve as places for youngsters to make friends among those with the same hobby. Members attend outdoor activities such as camping, walking out a new route in the suburbs, exploring new scenic spots, climbing a mountain or strolling through a desert. Programs can be short for a couple of days, or as long as a week. There is no limitation for these young people?s enjoyment, as described in their own words, ?As long as we know what we are going to do there, there is no place we cannot reach.?
(China.org.cn by Wu Nanlan, February 11, 2003 )
