Visitors are seen at a scenic area in Quzhou during the May Day holiday. [Photo/Tide News]

Quzhou in Zhejiang province experienced a significant upswing in tourism during the just-concluded May Day holiday, welcoming over 1.49 million tourists, an uptick of 17.94 percent year-on-year, according to authorities.

The city generated tourism revenue of 1.37 billion yuan ($189.83 million), with the Shuitingmen historical and cultural block emerging as the most popular destination, drawing 182,000 tourists – an 8.7 percent increase compared to the same period of last year.

Visitors flocked to night fairs, boat excursions, folk art performances, and local snack vendors. Rural tourism also experienced a robust growth, with activities like fruit and vegetable picking, farm experiences, and crayfish fishing gaining traction among tourists.

In addition, the city's cultural establishments, including libraries, museums, and galleries, hosted a series of activities such as exhibitions during the period. These diverse offerings aimed to cater to both local residents and visitors seeking varied travel options.