Shanxi received more than 22.89 million visitors during the May Day holiday from April 29 to May 1, an increase of 21.31 percent year-on-year, and earned 9.64 billion yuan ($1.4 billion) in tourism revenue, up 18.6 percent on the same period in 2016.

The three-day vacation period demonstrated how successfully local tourism services and attractions are operating in Shanxi.

For example, some 260,000 people visited Huangcheng Xiangfu, a complex for officials built during the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911), as the historical site hosted celebrations showcasing ancient culture like classical dancing to chimes, and provided diverse services targeted at tourists, such as family programs and flower appreciation events.

Apart from traditional sightseeing at the most popular attractions, traveling in undeveloped suburbs and farm stays have become new favorites for visitors. Excursions and suburban outings have dominated the travel habits of residents in the major provincial cities, such as Taiyuan, Datong and Yuncheng. Most tourists still choose to drive themselves to their destinations.

Brides and bridegrooms in folk costumes hold a group wedding ceremony at the Hukou Waterfall scenic area, Shanxi province, April 28. [Photo/sxrb.com]

Participants set out from the starting line during a hike in Gaodu town, Jincheng, April 29. The event in the ancient town attracted some 2,000 people. [Photo/zezhou.cn]