Guangdong Province recorded a strong surge in tourism during the three-day Qingming Festival holiday (April 4–6, 2026), receiving approximately 19.85 million visitors and generating 10.43 billion yuan (about USD 1.44 billion) in tourism revenue, according to official data from the Department of Culture and Tourism of Guangdong Province.
Diverse cultural activities enrich holiday experience
A wide range of cultural and tourism activities, both online and offline, breathed new life into traditional holiday experiences.
One highlight was the launch of the inaugural "Weekend Getaway in Guangdong" travel campaign in Jieyang Ancient City. Featuring traditional Yingge dance, lion performances, and tastings hosted by international food bloggers, the event showcased the distinctive Cantonese ethos of "enjoying life" through culture and cuisine.
In Guangzhou, a series of events themed around "Heroic Blossoms in a Heroic City" drew over 42,000 visitors to historical sites associated with revolutionary heritage ("red culture"). Meanwhile, Shenzhen hosted vibrant cultural festivals at major theme parks, blending global cultural elements with contemporary Chinese trends.
Local experiences and rural tourism gain popularity
Beyond major cities, rural tourism and localized cultural experiences proved especially popular. In Meizhou, countryside destinations such as bamboo forest homestays, tea plantations, and pomelo farms attracted urban visitors seeking nature and relaxation. In Foshan, a viral local dish—Shunde-style chicken hotpot—sparked the release of curated food maps, drawing visitors eager to explore authentic Cantonese cuisine.
Heritage-focused experiences also struck a chord. In Zhongshan, intangible cultural heritage events and farming-themed family activities encouraged hands-on learning, while in Jiangmen's Chikan Overseas Chinese Town, theatrical performances and night shows created an immersive cultural tourism experience.
Integrated travel drives tourism growth
Across the province, a growing trend of combining traditional Qingming rituals—such as tomb-sweeping—with spring outings, flower viewing, and short-distance travel boosted both urban and rural tourism. Popular eco-destinations, wetlands, and forest parks reported strong visitor numbers, while rural homestays in several regions saw occupancy rates exceeding 80 percent.
The holiday's robust performance underscores Guangdong's continued efforts to diversify its tourism offerings, integrating cultural heritage, natural landscapes, and modern leisure experiences to appeal to both domestic and international travelers.
Reporter: Li Fangwang
Photo: Li Fangwang
