Millions of Chinese people explore natural, cultural treasures during National Day holiday

With the seven-day National Day holiday kicking off on Tuesday, millions of Chinese people were on their way to explore the rich cultural heritage sites and natural wonders of their vast country, signaling a surge in domestic tourism and cultural appreciation.

A large number of holiday makers are opting to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and unique charm of the country.

In Benxi City, in northeast China's Liaoning Province, some 20,000 hectares of maple forest resplendent in rich autumnal colors drew numerous tourists to the stunning landscapes.

Visitors have also flocked to the Tianshan Grand Canyon in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, for a firsthand experience of the unique autumn ambience.

Further south, in the warm waters of Wuzhizhou Island in the country's southernmost island province of Hainan, beach-goers are braving waves on jet skis, reveling in the thrill of speed.

The Yueyang Tower in Hunan Province, one of the four most famous Chinese towers, has attracted a crowd of tourists, many of whom are bringing their children to learn about the country's ancient intellectuals.

Tourism projects that reflect local characteristics are growing in popularity.

In Hancheng, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, tourists have watched folk performances and participated in cultural activities.

The city is rich in intangible cultural heritage, including the Hancheng Dialect, a linguistic relic that preserves the ancient tones and vocabulary of the region, and the Qinqiang Opera, a traditional Chinese opera known for its bold singing style and vivid character portrayals.

Some fishing enthusiasts are enjoying the pleasures of competitive fishing at ponds in Lulong, Hubei Province.

Consumption has continued to lead the holiday trend, further showing the country's economic vitality.

In Lanzhou City, in northwest China's Gansu Province, visitors are floating on sheep-skin rafts on the Yellow River, going shopping at the open-air market along its banks, and savoring authentic beef noodles, experiencing life as a local.

The city of Huzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, has opened several helicopter routes for tourists to enjoy aerial views of the city's landmarks.

"[The low-altitude flight] provided us a chance to see our beautiful countryside from a different perspective. It was truly refreshing. We work in cities at ordinary times, and it's pretty good to come to this tranquil countryside and see the beautiful Taihu Lake, where egrets fly freely," said Zhang Tong, a tourist.

Major shopping districts in Shenzhen have been crowded with people, with Cantonese dim sum and snacks drawing large crowds of visitors.

Long queues formed in front of some time-honored brands before their opening hours.

"During the first few days of the National Day holiday, we've seen a noticeable increase in customer numbers especially at lunchtime, with the table turnover rate rising by two to threefold. It shows people's eagerness to dine out," said Zhou Yinming, a restaurant manager.

Additionally, a grand lantern show featuring 200-plus groups of lanterns in various designs is illuminating the night sky of the Beijing Garden Expo.

Millions of Chinese people explore natural, cultural treasures during National Day holiday

Yalu River estuary in northeast China's Liaoning Province is a key biodiversity conservation area in China providing habitats for migratory birds and dozens of endangered species.

Situated at the northern edge of the Yellow Sea Ecoregion, the Yalu River estuary in Dandong, Liaoning Province is a crucial stopover site for birds migrating along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway which spans more than 20 countries and regions from the Arctic to Southeast Asia and Australasia.

Staff at the Dandong Yalu River Estuary National Nature Reserve are conducting research on the quantity, species, and spatial distribution of migratory waterbirds as they arrive here during their autumn migration.

"By doing these surveys we can understand the waterbirds' migration patterns, food chains and food distribution. We can also track these birds via satellite to monitor their migration routes and timings within the migratory area," said Ma Li from the nature reserve.

Ma added that the reserve has conducted surveys on northbound waterbirds for 26 consecutive years. The number of migratory birds being surveyed can reach 60,000 to 80,000 during the autumn migration.

As well as being a stopover site for migratory birds, Yalu River estuary also contributes to biodiversity conservation by providing vital habitats for endangered species within the region.

Preserving the typical coastal wetland landscape of East Asia, the Dandong Yalu River Estuary National Nature Reserve accommodates most species of the Liaodong Peninsula in northeast China, thus maintaining the richness and diversity of wildlife.

The nature reserve is home to 453 species of plants, 324 species of birds, more than 80 species of nektons, amphibians, reptiles and mammals.

"In terms of global biodiversity conservation, the Yalu River Estuary Wetland in Dandong supports the survival and development of nearly 20 rare and endangered species in the world. Therefore, as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this location holds significant importance," said Lei Guangchun, a professor from Beijing Forestry University.

The Yalu River estuary is one of the Migratory Bird Sanctuaries along the Coast of the Yellow Sea-Bohai Gulf of China (Phase II) which was included in UNESCO's World Heritage List on July 26.

Migratory bird habitat in China’s Liaoning bears significance for biodiversity conservation