The eastern coastal city of Qingdao, Shandong province witnessed a strong rebound in tourist arrivals during the Spring Festival holiday as pent-up demand was unleashed after China optimized COVID-19 response measures.

During the week-long holiday, the 62 A-class scenic spots monitored in the city received over 1.02 million tourists, achieving a total operating revenue of 31.1 million yuan ($4.58 million), up 32.35 percent year-on-year.

Tourists enjoy a lion dance at a scenic spot in Qingdao during Spring Festival holiday. [Photo/Qingdao News]

In the same period, the bed rental rate of 50 star-rated hotels monitored in the city was recorded at 18.49 percent, a year-on-year growth of 3.07 percentage points, and the operating revenue exceeded 21 million yuan, up 48.22 percent year-on-year.

Discounts, vouchers and subsidies worth 2.3 million yuan were released by the Qingdao municipal bureau of culture and tourism during the holiday to stimulate cultural and tourism consumption.

A winter tourism promotional event was launched in Qingdao ahead of Spring Festival, which consisted of 139 featured tourism products covering such items as winter-time hot spring tours, skiing, and nighttime and rural folk tours to meet visitors' diverse travelling needs.

Tourists are seen in Golden Beach Beer City. [Photo/Guanhai News]

Scenic spots and cultural venues across the city staged various featured cultural and tourism performances and exhibitions to celebrate Spring Festival. For example, the Qingdao Museum staged an exhibition themed on rabbits, a gentle and beloved animal that signifies vitality, wit, caution and good luck in the Chinese zodiac, as well as activities to learn about and experience traditional folk customs. The Temple of the Queen of Heaven held a temple fair as well as traditional folklore performances. Golden Beach Beer City launched a dazzling lantern show and other performances and shows to create a festival vibe.

Districts and counties in Qingdao launched various celebratory activities as well to entertain residents and visitors during the seven-day holiday.

(chinadaily.com.cn)