By tf-lawyer.com In a recent interview with Yao Gang from Shihongyun/Xinjiang Daily, we explored the vibrant tourism scene in Xinjiang during the National Day holiday. Imagine this: visitors converging on the stunning autumn landscapes of Kanas, experiencing rich cultural performances in the ancient city of Kashgar, and indulging in revitalizing sand therapy in the Kumtag Desert. This year’s holiday festivities were lively and varied, offering people the chance to fully immerse themselves in Xinjiang’s breathtaking scenery while embracing the holiday spirit, resulting in a booming tourism market.
From October 1st to 7th, Xinjiang welcomed an impressive 15.43 million tourists, marking a 19.77% increase compared to last year. Tourism revenue soared to 20.72 billion yuan, up 16.38%, reaching a historic high for the region. Data from Mafengwo indicated that bookings for travel to Xinjiang surged, propelling it to the top spot for this year’s National Day holiday—a significant jump from its ninth-place ranking last year.
The popular tourist attractions were bustling with energy during the holiday. With fall in full swing, Tarim Poplar Forest Park in Luntai County dazzled visitors with its vibrant yellow leaves, enticing many to capture the moment with photos. The ninth Tarim Poplar Cultural Tourism Festival kicked off, inviting tourists to bless the “King of Poplar” tree, purchase handcrafted items like poplar wood bowls and spoons, and participate in the “Golden Autumn Poplar” walking event to take in the picturesque environment. Kashgar Ancient City saw a remarkable influx of 1.167 million visitors, reflecting a staggering 158.23% increase, including a single-day record of 234,600 on October 4th. Liu Feng, who owns a local photography studio, remarked, “During the holiday, I receive around 30 bookings a day; it’s been nonstop!”
Throughout the holiday period, Xinjiang’s A-level scenic spots attracted 11.05 million visitors, a 22.64% rise, and generated revenues of 1.43 billion yuan, up 31.38%. According to Mafengwo, customized circular tours in Northern and Southern Xinjiang emerged as one of the most sought-after travel products. The newly opened Ahe Highway quickly gained popularity among self-driving tourists, with its usage jumping by 90% within just three days of its debut.
Various regions offered unique cultural and heritage experiences to enhance visitor enjoyment. In Qinghe County, activities like health runs, singing competitions, and photography contests were organized. The “Qingge Li” health run, which kicked off on October 2nd, attracted running enthusiasts from across the nation to race along a scenic autumn path. Additionally, a photography competition titled “Qingge Li: Hawthorn Turns Red” was launched, complemented by a series of folk demonstrations and activities that enriched the holiday experience for both locals and travelers.
This holiday also witnessed a resurgence in county tours, cultural outings, and red tourism. According to a travel trends report from Feizhu for the 2024 National Day holiday, cities like Tumxuk and Tacheng saw the fastest growth in booking levels nationwide. In the first three days of the holiday, the Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture emerged as an unexpected hot spot for accommodations, with hotel bookings in Weili County and Bohu County soaring by 311% and 263%, respectively. Red-themed venues, including the Eighth Route Army’s Xinjiang Office Memorial Hall and the Mao Zedong Memorial Hall, welcomed numerous visitors, while cultural centers, libraries, and galleries throughout Xinjiang attracted over 720,000 guests. In total, 97 museums and memorials hosted nearly 778,900 visitors, offering a unique cultural experience.
The holiday highlighted robust tourism consumption and market dynamism. The vibrant Hotan night market drew tourists eager to sample a variety of local delicacies. The Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar buzzed with visitors enjoying attractions that included photo spots and opening ceremonies, creating an exciting new space that blended light, fashion, food, and scenic beauty. Reportedly, the Jinsha Beach scenic area experienced a revenue boost of 1.957 million yuan, while the Robmen Village scenic area consistently broke attendance records. Moreover, the Yizhao Highway ranked among the top 10 favored self-driving routes during the holiday, with 53,500 vehicles utilizing the Duku Highway by October 6th.
During this busy period, Xinjiang’s scenic spots prioritized visitor safety by enhancing security patrols, increasing signage, and providing emergency services to ensure a secure travel experience. They also focused on improving tourism staff training, refining service systems, and bolstering market regulation to deliver high-quality and convenient travel services to all visitors.
