Shiliuyun-Xinjiang Daily (Reporter Yao Gang) news: During the National Day holiday, various activities occurred in different parts of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. People went to Kanas scenic spot in Altay Prefecture to enjoy the colorful autumn scenery, visited the ancient city of Kashi in Kashi Prefecture to experience the exhibition of intangible cultural heritages, and headed to Kumtag Desert in Turpan for some sand therapy. The holiday atmosphere was lively and fun, with people enjoying the beautiful rivers and mountains, and the cultural tourism market was thriving.

From October 1 to 7, Xinjiang received 15.4269 million tourists, marking a 19.77 percent increase compared to the same period last year. The tourism revenue reached 20.719 billion yuan (about 2.93 billion U.S. dollars), showing a 16.38 percent increase over the same period last year, and setting a new record for tourism data. According to the data from Mafengwo, the number of related orders in Xinjiang has surged from ninth place during last year's National Day holiday to the top spot for this year's National Day holiday.

Photo shows night performances attract many tourists in Tekes County, Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Photo by Shiliuyun-Xinjiang Daily/Yao Gang)

During this holiday, popular tourist destinations have experienced a surge in visitors. In the picturesque Tarim Populus Euphratica National Forest Park, located in Luntai County, Bayingolin Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture, the 9th Populus Euphratica Cultural Tourism Festival has attracted many tourists who come to admire the "King of Populus euphratica" tree, purchase handmade products such as wooden bowls and spoons, and enjoy the works of Populus euphratica photography and video competition. Additionally, visitors can take part in related walking activities and experience the stunning scenery. Meanwhile, the ancient city of Kashi has experienced a significant increase in the number of visitors, with a total of 1.167 million tourists, marking a 158.23 percent increase compared to the same period last year. On October 4 alone, the ancient city of Kashi received 234,600 visitors. “I have been extremely busy during the National Day holiday, receiving around 30 group orders daily,” said Liu Feng, the owner of Fuyao Photography Shop.

Photo shows performances on Kanas Bridge attract visitors in Burqin County, Altay Prefecture, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Photo by Shiliuyun-Xinjiang Daily/Yao Gang)

During the holiday, the A-level scenic spots in the entire region welcomed 11.0467 million tourists, marking a 22.64 percent increase from the previous year. The total income generated from these spots amounted to 1.432 billion yuan (about 202.83 million U.S. dollars), reflecting a 31.38 percent increase from the previous year. According to the data from the online travel platform Mafengwo, the North-South Xinjiang Loop Line Tour was among the most popular during the holiday. Additionally, the newly opened Altay-Hemu Highway has quickly become a top choice for many self-driving tourists seeking a new experience, with a 90 percent increase in traffic within three days of its opening.

During the holiday, various special activities featuring folk customs and intangible cultural heritages are organized in different places to enhance the experience of tourists. In Qinghe County, activities such as healthy running, singing contests, photography contests, and more were organized. The healthy running event started on October 2 and attracted runners from all over the country. Participants enjoyed running on the beautiful autumn track and experienced the excitement of sports. The county also hosted a series of activities, including a photography competition, horse racing, Taekwondo and boxing, which further enriched the holiday experience for people of all ethnic groups and tourists.

Photo shows tourists play with pigeons in Kazanqi folk tourism area in Yining City, Ili Kazak Autonomous Prefecture, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Photo by Shiliuyun-Xinjiang Daily/Yao Gang)

During the National Day holiday, cultural tours and "red tours" remained popular. Xinjiang's Tumxuk, Tacheng, and other places led the country in the growth of booking scale, according to Alibaba's travel portal Feizhu's report. In the first three days of the National Day holiday, Bayingolin Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture became a surprise hit in the National Day accommodation booking destination. The search volume for hotels in Yuli County increased by 311 percent, hotels in Bohu County increased by 263 percent and tourist attractions in Korla City increased by 484 percent. Revolutionary resorts such as the Memorial Hall of the 8th Route Army General Office in Xinjiang, the Memorial Hall of Mao Zemin's Former Residence, the Military Reclamation Museum of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, and the 359th Brigade Reclamation Memorial also welcomed a number of visitors. Cultural centers, libraries, cultural stations, and art galleries at all levels in Xinjiang received more than 720,000 visitors, and 97 museums and memorials received 778,900 visitors, providing visitors with a unique experience.

Tourism is booming and the market is full of vitality. Night markets in Hotan Prefecture were bustling with tourists from all over the world, and there were plenty of delicious snacks to choose from. The Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar was also crowded with tourists, and the scenic spot has set up popular photo spots and offered opening ceremonies to boost consumption. The income of the Jinshatan scenic spot has increased by 1.957 million yuan (about 2.77 billion U.S. dollars). The number of tourists received by the Lop Nur Village scenic spot has broken ten thousand for several consecutive times, setting a new record for tourist reception. Additionally, the Yining-Zhaosu Highway was selected as one of the top 10 popular self-driving routes in China during the holiday, with 53,500 vehicles entering the Duku Highway as of October 6.

Scenic spots in Xinjiang have increased safety inspections, added safety warning signs, and provided emergency rescue services to ensure the safety of tourists during the holiday. Additionally, there is a focus on enhancing the training of tourism practitioners, improving the service system, strengthening market supervision, and providing high-quality and convenient tourism services for tourists.

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