Yangko performers pose for a group photo at the temple fair in Baotou. [Photo/WeChat account of Baotou Daily]
During the Spring Festival holiday from Jan 21 to 27, Baotou received 666,700 tourists, up 3.25 percent year on year, and earned 354 million yuan ($52.38 million) in tourism revenue, an increase of 3.1 percent year on year.
The city's culture and tourism market as well as consumption showed strong signs of recovery.
"The most popular Spring Festival activity is the temple fair. It hasn't been this lively in years. I'm so happy!" said a resident Yu Wenchao.
The temple fair featured a series of folk activities such as yangko shows and intangible cultural heritage exhibitions.
During the holiday, more than 200 activities in 10 categories, including performances, intangible cultural heritage displays, folk culture, calligraphy and painting exhibitions, were held in Baotou.
A child makes a sugar painting at Wuyue Shopping Mall. [Photo/WeChat account of Baotou Daily]
In addition, various forms of skiing, ice skating and other activities were launched at key scenic spots – such as the Nanhai Wetland Scenic Spot, Saikhantal Ice and Snow Park, Kunlun Ski Resort, and Baotou Paradise – during the seven-day holiday, during which the spots saw a major influx of visitors.
Tourists ski at Saikhantal Ice and Snow Park. [Photo/WeChat account of Baotou Daily]