Hordes of tourists throng to a popular site in Lishui during the May Day holiday. [Photo/Tide News]

The city of Lishui – in East China's Zhejiang province – experienced a strong rebound in tourism during the May Day holiday on April 29 to May 3, thanks to its rich cultural and tourism activities on offer and its natural beauty.

According to official data, the city received 1.42 million tourists during the break, up a whopping 234.47 percent compared with the May Day holiday last year and up 111.76 percent compared with the same period in 2019.

The city kicked off the holiday with the second Lishui Art Festival, featuring a variety of events, various music parties and markets.

According to statistics, there were more than 100 cultural and tourism activities in Lishui during the holiday, including 83 cultural performances. Visiting exhibitions and music parties were the top way for the young to socialize.

Homestays, mountain campsites, resorts and other places were other ways city folks could take a breather.

Many top internet homestays were fully booked 10 days in advance. During the holiday period, according to sample data, the average occupancy rate of graded homestays in the city reached 94.92 percent.

In addition, self-driving became a new engine for Lishui's holiday tourism market, with the city receiving a total of 31,773 self-driving vehicles from April 29 to May 3.

Self-driving is said to have not only brought popularity to homestays and hotels along the way, but also connected scenic spots, camping bases and other hot spots in the more remote areas.