China to Host 25,000+ Culture & Tourism Events During Golden Week

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During the upcoming eight-day National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday, over 25,000 cultural and tourism events are scheduled to take place across the country, backed by more than 330 million yuan (approximately $46.4 million) in subsidies aimed at attracting more visitors and stimulating consumption, according to officials.

Efforts will be directed towards increasing available attractions during the holiday period, with plans to offer a diverse selection of high-quality activities including performances, theatrical shows, tourism excursions, family-friendly entertainment, and vibrant night markets.

This year’s Golden Week holiday is set from October 1 to 8, coinciding with the Mid-Autumn Festival on October 6. Authorities anticipate that more than 800 million people will travel during this time, with domestic tourism revenues projected to reach around 750 billion yuan (roughly $105.4 billion), marking increases of 4.6% and 7% respectively compared to last year’s seven-day holiday.

Local governments and businesses are actively working to generate buzz around events, hosting performances and special activities to draw crowds, while distributing vouchers and offering discounts to boost spending.

Yunnan Province recently announced a range of cultural and tourism initiatives, including special activities, preferential policies, and seasonal travel packages designed for the holiday period.

In Sichuan Province, plans include a variety of sports competitions, performances, culinary experiences, and film and television events, with more than 1,300 activities scheduled. The region has also introduced packages featuring discounted tickets for attractions, scenic spots, and accommodations valued at over 50 million yuan (about $7 million).

Additionally, Guangdong Province announced it will distribute 20 million yuan (approximately $2.8 million) in cultural and tourism vouchers to encourage visitation and spending.

The rapid development of the cultural and tourism sectors is driven by a desire for relaxation amid work pressures, easier travel facilitated by improved infrastructure, increased travel opportunities for seniors, and the broader influence of social media marketing—factors highlighted by tourism expert Pu Yongjian, a senior advisor to Chongqing’s municipal government and professor at Chongqing University.

However, challenges remain, notably the over-saturation and uniformity of scenic spots, which tend to focus on short-term gains at the expense of sustainable, long-term growth—an issue Pu emphasizes needs addressing.