Yantai receives 5.1m tourists during National Day holiday

Yantai, a coastal city in East China's Shandong province, received 5.1 million tourists during the National Day holiday from Oct 1- 7, up 8.12 percent from a year earlier, local media reported.

This influx brought in 6.1 billion yuan ($884.05 million) of tourism revenue to the local economy, up 18.67 percent year-on-year. In an attempt to draw tourists, some key scenic spots in Yantai lowered their ticket prices, which was offset by the increased numbers that came.

Attractions in the city also held themed activities to lure tourists, with Changdao Island, Yangma Island and Kongdong Island preparing sea sightseeing, sports experience, and folk leisure activities respectively.

Folk festival activities in particular proved to be popular among tourists. Temple fair in Laizhou staged dragon dances and folk songs. Mou's Manor, Nanshan Scenic Spot and Tashan Scenic Spot also displayed a series of folk performances to showcase local customs such as yangko and the Bagua Drum dance.

Rural tourism also proved to be a hit to tourists during the holiday, with one and two-day tours featuring fruit picking, hot springs and mountain climbing taking place in the area. Chateau Changyu Castle offered local residents a grape feast. Visitors had the chance to sample more than 20 varieties of grapes and enjoy interactive grape-themed activities.

The government also stepped up its security and emergency response capabilities throughout the holiday to ensure visitors enjoyed a safe and pleasant environment in Yantai during their stay.

Visitors pose for a photo at Nanshan Scenic Spot in Yantai during the National Day holiday. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

    Visitors enjoy picking grapes at Chateau Changyu Castle in Yantai. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Mou's Manor offers folk culture performances during the National Day holiday to lure tourists. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]