Tourists visit the Zhanqiao Pier, a famous scenic area in Qingdao, Shandong province, on May 1. [Photo/Guanhai News]

The just-concluded May Day holiday proved to be a boon for the tourism industry in Qingdao, Shandong, with both the number of travelers and tourism revenue soaring as people made the most of the short break.

Figures from the city's culture and tourism bureau showed that the city received more than 7.13 million visitors during the five-day holiday, who generated about 8.46 billion yuan ($1.17 billion) in revenue.

The combination of ocean and cultural tourism has become extremely popular in Qingdao. The opening of the Zhanqiao Pier Terminal at Qingdao Bay and the launch of the new city-wide sea bus line have connected sea, land, and rail transportation, better meeting the demands of tourists for close-to-sea experiences. Along the coast, venues like the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center, Xiaomaidao Park, and the Golden Beach Beer City all experienced peak holiday visitor flows.

Qingdao has been leveraging its ecological advantages, and the trend of rural tourism has continued to rise. By exploring the natural ecological tourism value of rural areas, Qingdao emphasizes both comprehensive protection and moderate development, launching cycling and fruit picking activities, rural homestays, water activities, camping, and barbecues to meet the various needs of tourists. Destinations like Qingshan fishing village attracted numerous visitors, becoming popular destinations for family outings and natural experiences.

A diverse array of performances was also popular during the holiday. Concerts, immersive dramas, musicals, flash mobs, live painting shows, and other activities were launched at key scenic spots, which helped deepen the cultural connection between tourists and the city, earning praise from many young audiences.

Cultural and educational activities were also held during the holiday. Qingdao's museums and other cultural venues extended their opening hours to meet the needs of visitors. A variety of high-quality exhibitions themed around calligraphy, painting, sculpture, photography, and handicrafts were launched to enrich the educational tourism experience.

Popular venues like the Tsingtao Beer Museum and the former German governor's mansion hosted activities such as picture recognition check-ins, poetry couplets, folk performances, and handmade markets, blending interactivity, storytelling, and experiential learning to enhance the sense of participation and overall enjoyment.