Jinan, capital city of East China's Shandong province, saw a tourism boom over the May Day holiday from May 1 to 4.

According to statistics from the Jinan culture and tourism bureau, 17 scenic spots including Qianfo Mountain, Jinan Botanical Garden and Baotu Spring Park welcomed a total of 2.1 million tourists, generating revenue of 58.7 million yuan ($8.7 million).

More than 50 cultural activities were held during the holiday, attracting a large number of visitors. They varied from rural leisure and nature sightseeing to folk culture experiences and historical and scientific education.

Homestays and local delicacies became new attractions for tourists. Furong Alley and Kuanhouli Street received more than 100,000 and 300,000 tourists a day respectively for their featured delicacies.

Night tours proved a hit with tourists. Daming Lake staged a unique multimedia water show combining vibrant patterns of splashing water with musical lasers and fireworks. Some traditional drama performances such as crosstalk and Shandong clapper ballad held at Baihuazhou Street also lured many a tourist.

Rural tourism as well proved to be popular during the holiday, with one and two-day tours featuring fruit picking, hot springs and mountain climbing taking place in the area.

Visitors crowd along Furong Alley, Jinan, East China's Shandong province during the May Day holiday. Furong Alley, 432 meters long, is a characteristic street featuring local specialties and ancient dwellings. [Photo/dzwww.com]

An artist plays the Guqin, a seven-stringed Chinese instrument, at Baihuazhou Street, Jinan, East China's Shandong province. [Photo/dzwww.com]