(CFP Photo)

During the Spring Festival holiday, Jiangsu Province registered over 55.48 million tourist trips and a total tourism revenue of 44.12 billion yuan, up 47.8% and 36.8%, respectively, compared to the same period in 2023.

This growth can be attributed to the rich cultural and tourism programs across the coastal province, China’s visa-free policy for travelers from more countries, and an extended holiday period from February 10 to 17.

Data showed that the payments for cultural and tourism sectors through the China UnionPay network totaled 15.375 billion yuan from February 10 to 16, accounting for 11.5% of the national total and ranked first among province-level regions.

Among Jiangsu’s cities, Nanjing and Suzhou remained popular destinations while Changzhou and Nantong attracted a growing number of visitors. In particular, the Pingjiang Historical and Cultural Zone in Suhzou saw over 400,000 trips within the first three days of the holiday, setting a new record.

The China Grand Canal Museum in Yangzhou sold out its 18,000 daily tickets from February 11 to 17 well before the holiday. Later, the museum added 1,000 additional tickets for the morning and afternoon sessions, according to curator Zheng Jing.

Tourist destinations in Jiangsu featured dragon-themed programs in celebration of the Year of the Dragon. Visitors enjoyed the offerings such as food and beverages, souvenirs, postcards, stamps and diverse cultural creations all inspired by the mythical creature.

Digital technologies, including AR and metaverse, have also transformed visiting experiences in scenic areas, museums and cultural venues, enabling more interactive experiences.

Jiangsu’s box office revenue during the first seven days exceeded 735 million yuan, representing 10.02% of the national total, according to the province’s film department. The number of moviegoers in the province exceeded 14.55 million, accounting for 9.78% of the national total and ranking first in the country.