ESSENTIAL TRAVEL GUIDE TO SPR
China is embracing a tourism boom during the upcoming eight-day Spring Festival holiday. The festival, falling on Saturday this year, is the biggest occasion for family reunions and heralds the beginning of spring. China’s tourist spots, with diverse ice-and-snow activities, enchanting tropical scenery, rich folk culture and delectable delicacies, have become increasingly popular among foreigners in recent years.
The country implemented a visa-free policy for ordinary passport holders from some countries last year. It has also rolled out a set of measures to facilitate the entry of foreign nationals for business, education and tourism last month, further promoting the inbound travel spree during the holiday.
In mid-January, a report on the 2024 Spring Festival travel market forecast released by China’s major online travel agency Trip.com showed that inbound travel orders during the holiday skyrocketed more than 10 times year on year. The orders mainly come from countries such as Japan, the United States, South Korea, Malaysia, Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, Vietnam, Germany and Thailand.
Which attractions are worth exploring in China during the festival? What should foreign visitors pay attention to while traveling across the country? Below are some tour recommendations and tips.
Places featuring winter activities
Winter sports activities have become increasingly popular in China ever since the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. The “ice city” Harbin in the northernmost Heilongjiang Province is arguably the top trending destination for both domestic and overseas tourists this winter.
A visit to the Harbin Ice-Snow World, a renowned theme park, is usually top on tourists’ itineraries. With more than 1,000 frozen scenes, including captivating depictions of the Year of the Dragon, the park also provides a range of entertainment activities like ice-biking, snowmobiling and exhilarating ice slides. Don’t forget to seize the opportunity to marvel at a panoramic view of the icy wonderland from the towering 400-foot-tall (122 meters) Ferris wheel.
Winter sports enthusiasts may also consider embarking on a three-hour train ride from Harbin to Changbai Mountain in the adjacent Jilin Province. This region hosts several top-notch ski resorts, offering a haven for skiing enthusiasts. Located at 42 degrees north latitude, Changbai Mountain boasts abundant powder snow, providing an optimal playground for freeskiers. Beyond the thrill of winter sports, the breathtaking Tianchi crater lake stands as a remarkable scenic attraction nestled amid snow-draped mountains. For added excitement, visitors can engage in the exhilarating experience of canyon rafting to enhance their overall enjoyment.
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The ancient city of Pingyao in north China’s Shanxi Province stands as a top choice for history enthusiasts, boasting more than 2,700 years of rich history and renowned for its impeccably preserved ancient architecture. During the annual Spring Festival events in Pingyao, visitors have the opportunity to don traditional costumes and partake in festive celebrations. Strolling through the streets and pavilions adorned in traditional Chinese styles, illuminated by golden lights and red lanterns, visitors can relish a captivating glimpse of the city’s cultural heritage.
Places featuring unique customs
For tourists deeply interested in Chinese folk culture, attending temple fairs during the Spring Festival is a must-try experience. Regarded as a vibrant cultural feast, these fairs are popular across the country, particularly in north China. When it comes to the festive atmosphere, some of the liveliest temple fairs are held in Beijing, notably at Ditan Park and Longtan Park. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in traditional lantern shows, indulge in local cuisine and experience the charm of traditional Chinese crafts.
Down in the south, Guangzhou, capital