Published on
October 4, 2025
During the eight-day holiday which includes the National Day and the Mid-Autumn Festival, China sees a lot of tourist activity. Starting on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, the holiday period is one of the busiest seasons for travel. Be it outdoor attractions or cultural places, a lot of tourists, both foreign and local, are visiting famous places. This is creating a holiday environment though it is also putting some strain on the travel systems.
This is particularly the case this year due to the Mid-Autumn Festival which is a family oriented holiday built around the harvesting moon. Domestic travel is a lot more appealing because of the timing of the holiday this year, leading to record numbers of visitors for the country’s tourist attractions.
Breathtaking Scenery in Southern China’s Guangxi Region
One of the highlights of this holiday season is the stunning scenery along the Lijiang River in Yangshuo County, located in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in southern China. On October 4, tourists gathered in droves to enjoy a serene experience on bamboo rafts along the river, a popular activity for those seeking natural beauty. The picturesque surroundings, with dramatic limestone peaks and lush green landscapes, continue to be a major draw for both local and international tourists.
Yangshuo, known for its tranquil riverside views and mountain landscapes, is one of China’s most famous tourist destinations, and during this time of year, the region experiences an uptick in travel. Visitors can enjoy the unhurried atmosphere of the countryside, a welcome change from the bustling cities. However, as more people arrive to take in the beauty of the Lijiang River, it’s clear that tourism management has become a key issue for local authorities. Ensuring the smooth movement of tourists, especially during the holiday season, is critical to avoid overcrowding and preserve the region’s natural beauty.
Cultural and Historic Attractions Draw Large Crowds
In addition to nature destinations, cultural and historic attractions are also seeing a surge in visitors. In Tangshan, Hebei Province, the Hetou Ancient Street scenic area has been a popular spot for tourists seeking to experience traditional Chinese architecture and cultural relics. Visitors on October 3 enjoyed not only exploring the ancient streets but also watching performances by actors in traditional costumes, adding an authentic touch to their experience. The combination of cultural heritage and scenic views makes such locations highly appealing during the holiday.
Similarly, in Zhenyuan County, located in the Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture in southwest China’s Guizhou Province, tourists flocked to ancient towns. These towns, rich in history and traditional architecture, offer visitors an immersive journey into China’s diverse cultural landscape. The October 3 photos of visitors exploring these towns highlighted the thriving interest in cultural tourism, which has seen increasing popularity in recent years.
Adventure and Scenic Experiences in Shandong Province
Shandong Province has also emerged as a hotspot for tourists, with visitors heading to areas like Miaodao Islet in Yantai. On October 3, tourists were seen waiting to board boats that would take them to the islet, where they could explore the unique landscape and enjoy the coastal air. The blend of maritime beauty and cultural significance continues to draw people to Shandong, further fueling the holiday travel boom.
One of the most striking images from the holiday period shows tourists attending a molten iron fireworks show in Tancheng County of Linyi City, Shandong. The show, held on October 3, offered a spectacular visual experience for visitors. The dramatic fireworks display served as a reminder of the continued cultural vibrancy that defines many of China’s key tourist areas.
Family-Friendly Tourism: Pet Parks and Educational Experiences
While many tourists focus on historical and natural destinations, family-friendly activities have also gained popularity. In Xingtai, Hebei Province, families visited pet parks where children could play with cats and other animals. The rise in family-oriented tourism reflects changing interests, with more families opting for fun, interactive activities during their holidays.
Meanwhile, in Changsha, central China’s Hunan Province, tourists with a passion for culture had the opportunity to learn about cultural relics restoration techniques at the Changsha Museum. Children, in particular, were encouraged to engage in educational activities that allowed them to learn about ancient artifacts and preservation methods. Such experiences combine leisure with learning, making them an attractive option for families with young children.
Impact on Travel and Tourism Infrastructure
The surge in tourism across China during the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday is not without its challenges. With millions of tourists heading to popular destinations, local authorities face the difficult task of ensuring the smooth flow of people while preventing overcrowding. In some regions, authorities have ramped up efforts to manage crowd sizes, especially in highly popular tourist spots where the influx of visitors has been overwhelming.
For example, in major cities like Beijing and Shanghai, where many visitors flock to celebrate the holiday, transportation systems have been put to the test. Increased demand for trains, buses, and flights has led to longer wait times, making it essential for tourists to plan ahead. Major tourist attractions like the Forbidden City in Beijing and the Bund in Shanghai are seeing an unprecedented number of visitors, which may result in longer queues and wait times for entry.
Environmental Concerns and Sustainable Tourism
As tourism booms during the National Day holiday, the environmental impact of such high visitor numbers is becoming a pressing concern. In regions like Yangshuo and Zhenyuan, known for their natural beauty, the strain on local resources is evident. Maintaining sustainable tourism practices will be essential to ensure that these destinations remain unspoiled for future generations.
Local authorities are emphasizing the need for tourists to be mindful of their impact on the environment, urging them to respect local customs and follow rules for preserving natural resources. This shift toward sustainable tourism is becoming increasingly important as destinations like these receive more visitors each year.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Chinese Tourism
The 2025 National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday marks a record surge in domestic tourism, with millions of people exploring China‘s diverse cultural, historical, and natural landscapes. As China’s tourism industry continues to rebound post-pandemic, the importance of sustainable practices, efficient management, and cultural preservation becomes even more critical.
Moving forward, the tourism industry will need to adapt to the growing demand by investing in infrastructure, crowd management, and sustainable travel initiatives. With more Chinese citizens exploring their own country, domestic tourism is expected to remain a key driver of the economy. However, balancing the needs of tourists with the preservation of the environment and cultural heritage will be the primary challenge for the tourism sector in the years to come.
A Festive and Thriving Travel Season
The National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday has become a staple in China’s tourism calendar. With an increase in visitors throughout the country a testament to the resilience and growth of the tourism industry. With both tourists and the local population enduring to visit the beautiful and cultural sites the holiday time is undoubtedly one of the most crucial and busy periods in the tourism calendar.
