Over the five-day May Day holiday (May 1-5), China's Guangdong welcomed an estimated 46.08 million domestic and international tourists, driving tourism revenue to 29.5 billion yuan, according to data released by the Department of Culture and Tourism of Guangdong Province.

Buoyed by a wide array of cultural experiences and natural attractions, the province recorded year-on-year growth of 18.7% in visitor numbers and 20.3% in tourism receipts. Heritage sites, rural villages, and modern cultural venues all contributed to a truly vibrant holiday atmosphere.

Highlights across the province

Top-Tier Attractions: 4A?level and above scenic areas logged 16.30?million visits, up 14.3% from last year.

Historic Routes: Fourteen sections of ancient post?roads drew 2.38?million history enthusiasts, marking a 13.5% increase.

Red Tourism: Thirteen revolutionary heritage sites hosted 1.19?million visitors, a 12.0% rise, reflecting growing interest in China's modern history.

Rural and Village Tourism: One hundred surveyed rural hotspots and historic villages received 1.89 million guests, a surge of 15.5%.

Public Cultural Institutions: Museums, libraries, and theaters reported 997,000 visits, up 10.8% as families and young travelers sought indoor cultural offerings.

A province-wide survey indicates that average spending per visitor reached RMB 640.10 (+1.3% year-on-year). Day-trippers spent an average of 392.30 yuan, while overnight guests spent 1,243.80 yuan, with overnight stays accounting for 29.1% of all trips.

Inbound travel on the rise

Thanks to streamlined entry policies, including 240-hour visa-free transit and relaxed vehicle permits for Hong Kong and Macao visitors, Guangdong's inbound market remains robust. Data from leading online travel agency Ctrip show that international bookings into the province jumped 187% compared to last May.

An immersive holiday experience

Across Guangdong, travelers embraced a mix of must-see landmarks and off-the-beaten-path discoveries: panoramic overlooks at coastal cliffs, celebrations in ancient towns, hands-on folk-craft workshops, and late-night street food crawls. This blend of history, culture, nature, and cuisine underscores Guangdong's emergence as a global tourism powerhouse.