Festival shows Chaoyang in new light

Chaoyang district has long been known for its iconic spots, including the Beijing central business district and the 798 art district. However, the district's emphasis on urban renewal and cultural activities has injected new life into its tourism offerings.

For instance, during this year's Dragon Boat Festival, the fifth day of the fifth month on the Chinese lunar calendar, which fell on June 10, together with the weekend on June 8 and 9, the district received 1.14 million visitors that contributed 530 million yuan ($74.4 million) in revenue — a year-on-year growth of 2.5 percent compared to the same period last year.

While Chaoyang district is a key player in Beijing's tourism landscape, these developments are part of a larger trend across the city.

Beijing has become a leading destination for cultural tourism, attracting millions of visitors annually. Over the National Day holiday at the start of this month, the capital welcomed over 21 million tourists, a year-on-year increase of 18.35 percent. This growth underscores the city's potential in the cultural and tourism sectors.

"Beijing's cultural tourism sector has vast potential," says Zhao Yufeng, an associate researcher at the Chinese Academy of Macroeconomic Research. "At the same time, it's important to maintain the balance between development and preserving the city's rich cultural heritage."

Video provided by Beijing Chaoyang Integrated Media Center

Zhu Sidi contributed to this story.