Nearly 7.07 million travellers visited Qingdao, a coastal city in Shandong province during the seven-day National Day holiday from October 1 to 7, a year-on-year increase of 33.3 percent. 

Tourism-related revenue tallied over the holiday hit nearly 8.4 billion yuan ($1.22 billion), up 26.4 percent compared with the same period last year. 

Visits to Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center, Wusi Square, Laoshan Mountain and Tsingtao Beer Museum saw a sharp increase over the holiday due to the increasing influence that the city has had on the domestic and international stage, with the staging of summits this year including ones for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the World Tourism Cities Federation (WTCF).  

Numerous Qingdao-themed activities were launched throughout the city to attract tourists.

"I'd like to experience the urban culture of Qingdao rather than give simple glances", said Guo Yan, a tourist from Hubei province. 

Qingdao old town, university road and various cultural venues and related shows became the top choices for tourists who wanted to learn about the city. 

Furthermore, due to the National Day Holiday falling during the harvest season, rural-themed experience activities and agricultural exhibitions also took place.

A total of 11 rural tourism areas welcomed 444,000 tourists, up 25.7 percent year-on year, with revenue increasing by 15.7 percent to 36.71 million yuan. The occupancy rate of countryside hotels and homestays reached up to 90 percent.

The eastern coastal city of Qingdao in Shandong province welcomes nearly 7.07 million travellers during the National Day holiday. [Photo/dzwww.com]

The Qingdao Fushan Bay attracts many visitors every night during the holiday period. [Photo/dzwww.com]

A special show at the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center during the National Day holiday attracts swarms of tourists. [Photo/dzwww.com]