The performers dressed in folk costume perform in a folk parade. [Photo/WeChat account: wenmingshandong]

Weihai city in Shandong province launched more than 150 cultural tourism activities in six major categories during the Spring Festival holiday, offering residents and tourists splendid performances and exquisite travel experiences.

Statistics from the Weihai Bureau of Culture and Tourism show that during the Spring Festival holiday, the number of tourists and operating revenue received at the city's 16 monitored scenic spots soared 204.96 percent and 153.32 percent, respectively, compared to the same period in 2023. Weihai was ranked second nationwide among the top 10 popular destinations, according to the 2024 Spring Festival Travel Consumption Report released recently by Tongcheng Travel.

Weihai held various Spring Festival activities such as dragon and lion dance performances, cultural and creative exhibitions, Hanfu fashion shows, carnivals, and traditional Chinese operas, attracting numerous tourists to come and experience the festive atmosphere of civility, joy, unity, and harmony.

The ongoing winter lantern exhibitions also added much color to holiday tourism. The Winter Lantern Exhibitions' densely populated areas attracted many residents and tourists every evening.

Weihai issued theme-based tourism coupons to stimulate consumption. Eighteen scenic spots, such as Liugong Island, Huaxia City, Dongpu Bay, Tianmu Hot Spring, and Tangbo Hot Spring, also launched various discounts. Scenic spots such as Chengshantou and the Weihai Marine Science and Technology Museum held temple fairs, light shows, parent-child science and technology tours, and other themed activities to attract visitors for exploration and experience.

"I enjoyed the beautiful scenery of Weihai and had a great time, and also felt the warmth of the local people. The staff member at the homestay where I stayed specially prepared a small New Year gift for me and recommended sightseeing routes. I look forward to coming to Weihai again with friends in the future," said Liu Jingru, a tourist from Jiangsu province.