Visitors pour into Nanyang during Golden Week

China's Golden Week refers to the seven-day holiday period from Oct 1 to 7, an occasion celebrating China's National Day, where large numbers of people travel to see family and friends, while also taking part in leisure activities such as shopping and visiting tourist attractions.

Over the holiday period, shops and tourist attractions have seen large numbers of customers, giving a boost to both sectors. As a city with a range of tourist attractions, Nanyang, in Henan province, witnessed record numbers of visitors from around the world.

According to Nanyang municipal tourism bureau, the city has seen 6.41 million visitors during the Golden Week period, an increase of 11.5 percent from a year ago, earning revenues of 3.19 billion yuan ($477 million), representing year-on-year growth of 12.8 percent.

Among numerous local tourist attractions, Seventy-two Pool in Fangcheng county, Laojieling in Xixia county, and the Local Magistrate's Office Museum in Neixiang county, came top of the list for visiting tourists, welcoming about 20,000 visitors per day.

Hotels, restaurants, supermarkets and shopping malls near popular tourist attractions also saw great increases in business, bringing in significant extra revenue.

Rural tourism has also become more popular over the past several years. Statistics show that Xinye county earned 4.4 million yuan, and Neixiang county earned 2 million yuan from visitors to the areas.

A survey by the local tourism bureau also showed the number of visitors from other provinces such as Hebei and Shannxi is increasing, along with visitors from Beijing and Tianjin municipality.

Staff from the Neixiang Local Magistrate’s Office Museum perform in traditional costumes to attract visitors. [Photo/Nanyang Daily]

Visitors enjoy local tourist attractions in Nanyang. [Photo/Nanyang Daily]

Tourists rafting in Baotianman scenic spot, Nanyang. [Photo/Nanyang Daily]