Visitors walk beside Dishui Lake in Lin-gang Special Area during the May Day holiday. [Photo/WeChat account: shlgguanweihui]

Shanghai's Lin-gang Special Area reported a surge in visitor numbers during the May Day holiday (May 1-5), with 456,000 tourists traveling to the main urban area, a year-on-year rise of 147.6 percent compared to 2020, and a growth of 52.4 percent compared to 2019.

Popular tourist spots in the area such as Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park, Shanghai Flower Port and China Maritime Museum were visited by 151,000 people.

Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park was the single most popular attraction, with 120,817 visitors.

Tourists watch a dolphins show at Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park during the May Day holiday. [Photo/WeChat account: shlgguanweihui]

The local economy was further boosted by the 5-5 shopping festival, with discounts and promotions being offered from April 30. Visitors snapped up Lin-gang delicacies and specialties, demonstrating the popularity of the area's products.

Visitors take photographs at the Contemporary Art Museum. [Photo/WeChat account: shlgguanweihui]

Major shopping malls competed to attract tourists with money to spend, recording a total of around 320,000 visitors who spent over 15 million yuan ($2.32 million).

A number of local attractions went the extra mile to impress their guests, including Dishui Lake which staged a series of activities like night fairs during the holiday.

Night tours also proved popular over the five-day break, offering new entertainment options for visitors and bringing in additional revenue for the local tourist industry.