Hohhot received 3.25 million domestic visits during the 2026 May Day holiday, up 7.08 percent year-on-year from 2025, with domestic tourists' total spending reaching 2.35 billion yuan ($ 345.92 million), up 6.33 percent.

Hohhot hosted nearly 80 events. Visitors could enjoy multiple discounts by presenting a ticket stub from any concert: half-price admission at multiple scenic spots, 15 or 12 percent off at over 50 hotels, at least 15 percent off at nearly 20 renowned restaurants, shopping discounts, and at least 20 percent off intangible cultural heritage (ICH) handicrafts, among other benefits.

During the five-day holiday, the city's total sales of goods and services reached 3.79 billion yuan, and used car transactions grew by 23 percent. The 8th Online Brand and Quality Shopping Festival coincided with the holiday consumption period, driving the city's online retail sales to 720 million yuan, up 12.5 percent. The prize-winning invoice campaign attracted 120 million yuan in consumption, with consumers uploading 311,000 invoices.

The municipal commerce bureau coordinated with the cultural tourism department to organize key business districts to deeply integrate folk customs, cuisine, and outdoor leisure elements, creating diversified consumption scenarios. For example, Saishang Old Street hosted trendy music and intangible cultural heritage performances, while Chilechuan Grassland launched experiential activities including horseback riding, archery, and ICH dairy product making.

The city's catering service sales hit 640 million yuan during the holiday, with orders received by local restaurants increasing by 13.5 percent from last year.

Visitors watch performances at Saishang Old Street. [Photo/Hohhot Convergence Media]