China's border inspection agencies saw over 1.8 million inbound and outbound trips during the New Year holiday on Wednesday, marking a 13.7 year-on-year increase, according to the National Immigration Administration (NIA).
The number of trips made by Chinese mainland residents increased by 11.1 percent year on year, reaching 869,000. Meanwhile, residents from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan made 749,000 trips, a 12.8 percent increase from the previous year. Foreigners also saw a significant surge, with 185,000 trips made, a 33.6 percent increase, according to data from the NIA released Thursday.
The agencies checked 67,000 vehicles, including ships, trains and automobiles on Wednesday, representing a year-on-year increase of 14.7 percent, the NIA said.
China sees double-digit increase in cross-border trips on New Year's Day
China sees double-digit increase in cross-border trips on New Year's Day
China sees double-digit increase in cross-border trips on New Year's Day
Various fun activities have been launched in parts of east China's Zhejiang and Fujian Provinces in the run-up to the Spring Festival holiday season.
At the Wen'er food bazaar in Hangzhou City of Zhejiang, a distinctive exhibition showcasing paper-cutting, an intangible cultural heritage, draw a large crowd. In addition to shopping for groceries, visitors could also join in paper-cutting classes, drink coffee, and watch exhibitions.
"Today, I made a paper-cut and a paper-carving artwork, featuring the 'Fu' character, to bring good fortune to my home," said Ge Yingyin, a young girl.
Apart from such lively interactions among locals, an exhibition at the market displays over 50 classic fine-grained paper-cutting artworks, which offers the visitors an opportunity to appreciate the charm of intangible cultural heritage up close.
"The market here is full of life, [where intangible cultural heritage items can find their niche]. China's intangible cultural heritage is never divorced from life, but more integrated into the daily life of ordinary people," said Wan Qianyun, a local resident.
Hua'an in Zhangzhou City of Fujian, once a small fishing village, has now transformed into a popular tourist destination. With its rich fishing resources, the county has developed festive activities such as fish banquets and tours to its traditional earthen buildings, attracting flocks of tourists.
As the Spring Festival approaches, Hua'an has also organized events such as a New Year market, a half-marathon and a spinning top competition, all aimed at boosting its tourism industry by leveraging its distinctive culture and agricultural products.
"The Jiulong River is abundant in aquatic products, and many tourists come here to savor those delicacies. Guanshe has 127 guesthouses with a total of 224 beds, and 60 percent of them are pre-booked for the Spring Festival holiday," said Lan Gengyuan, an official of the Guanshe Village of Hua'an.
Zhejiang, Fujian launch cultural activities in run-up to Spring Festival
