During the recent May Day holiday, Dongying city in East China's Shandong province experienced a significant surge in cultural and tourism activity, offering residents and visitors a brilliant seasonal getaway.
With well-planned events and improved tourism products, the city provided wide-ranging experiences that highlighted the deepening integration of culture and tourism.
From April 29 to May 3, some 20 key scenic areas across the city welcomed over 1.23 million visitors and generated 86.59 million yuan ($11.98 million) in revenue, achieving hefty year-on-year increases of 15.89 percent and 19.99 percent, respectively.
The growth is said to reflect Dongying's evolving appeal as a destination rooted in both natural beauty and cultural depth.
Highlights included a flower-viewing festival in Hekou district, where the vast local locust tree forest was turned into immersive cultural spaces featuring art installations, traditional crafts and literary themes. At the Eco-tourism Region of Yellow River Delta, a Chinese animation-themed carnival offered a lively blend of modern pop culture and classical heritage.
The expansive locust tree forest serves as a natural oxygen haven for both visitors and locals. [Photo/IC photo]
The Eco-tourism Region of the Yellow River Delta features miles of lush reed marshes, offering a serene escape into nature. [Photo/WeChat account: hhkstlyq]
Across the city, themed events, from lakeside music festivals to seaside treasure hunts and cultural fairs, catered to varied interests. Public venues such as museums, galleries and theaters were open – hosting performances, exhibitions and hands-on workshops in traditional arts and crafts.
To ensure an enjoyable experience, Dongying implemented robust service measures, including staff deployment at key sites, extended hours at cultural venues and intelligent crowd management systems.
The collective efforts are said to have demonstrated Dongying's commitment to quality tourism and warm hospitality – offering a dynamic expression of the "Friendly Shandong" spirit.
