Meet Ningde, Fujian during the -Golden Week– red tourism is very popular and rural tourism is very popular
On October 8, the Cultural and Tourism Bureau of Ningde City, Fujian Province, released eye-catching statistics from this year’s National Day holiday. According to a report from an independent monitoring agency, the city attracted 4.0673 million visitors during the holiday, generating a remarkable total tourism expenditure of 2.921 billion yuan. These numbers reflect year-on-year increases of 20.41% and 31.26%, respectively.
In a celebration themed “Welcoming National Day in Golden October,” Ningde hosted over 70 cultural events, which included artistic performances, folklore activities, and museum exhibitions, offering visitors a deeply immersive holiday experience.
At the Ningde Museum, a special exhibition titled “Red and the Light of Eastern Fujian” displayed nearly a hundred invaluable revolutionary artifacts, highlighting the region’s historical importance as one of the eight major revolutionary bases during the Chinese Civil War. Lei Zhihua, director of the Ningde Revolutionary Memorial Hall, emphasized the importance of preserving the city’s red heritage, stating, “We must effectively utilize our red heritage, carry forward the red tradition, and pass on our red genes while spreading the ‘Light of Eastern Fujian.'”
The festive atmosphere also featured events like the “Shining Five Stars on Eastern Fujian’s First Peak” night hike at Baiyun Mountain, where participants celebrated by singing together at the summit, and the Fuding Cultural Center’s concert “My Country and I,” which showcased heartfelt performances dedicated to the nation. The trend of visiting red tourist attractions and memorial sites is gaining popularity, with patriotic red tourism becoming a vibrant highlight of the holiday.
Cultural activities flourished during the holiday, most notably the immersive “Elegant Dream Tour” in Zherong County, which included workshops on intangible cultural heritage, themed photoshoots, and traditional Hanfu parades. Local resident Mr. Zhang reflected on his family’s experience, saying, “This event was exceptionally well-organized, and we all enjoyed our time together. The kids had a great time learning and celebrating the holiday atmosphere.”
The Ningde Art Museum hosted several engaging events, including the “Star Microphone Cup” youth singer competition and exhibitions showcasing outstanding artwork from the province, enhancing the festive cultural vibe. The Cultural and Tourism Bureau noted that diverse activities were tailored to highlight the unique charm of Chinese traditional culture during the holiday.
In rural areas, tourism thrived with activities such as street dancing, village runs, and competitive events during the 19th Farmer’s Sports Festival and China’s Farmer Harvest Festival in Pingnan County. This offered locals and tourists a unique blend of traditional agricultural practices and modern sports entertainment.
Additionally, Jiao District launched five captivating rural tourism routes that drew considerable interest during the National Day holiday. Gutian County held a lively rural music and food carnival, while Puyuan Village in Zhouning County provided engaging experiences like riddle guessing and food tasting, enticing large crowds. As the golden autumn harvest season unfolded, visitors flocked to the countryside to indulge in local delicacies and enjoy the stunning pastoral scenery.
Local attractions enhanced their offerings with engaging activities and significant discounts. For example, the Bai Shui Yang·Yuan Yang Xi scenic area hosted a vibrant water sports festival, while the Baiyun Mountain scenic area in Fu’an kicked off its fifth music tent festival and outdoor sports carnival, attracting over 2,000 outdoor enthusiasts and motorcycle lovers from near and far.
To maintain a smooth and orderly tourism environment, the Ningde Cultural and Tourism Bureau conducted a total of 597 law enforcement visits during the holiday period, ensuring safety and support for travelers.