On the first day of the Duanwu Festival, cultural tourism continues to grow in popularity in Sichuan Province. As of May 31 at 3:00 PM, 909 A-level attractions across the province welcomed 4,333,500 visitors, generating ticket revenue of 276,263,000 yuan. This represents a 19.42% increase in tourist traffic compared to the same period in 2024. A-level attractions in the city alone received 1,136,000 tourists, marking an 11.7% rise from the previous year.
Throughout the province, Duanwu Festival-themed events are actively being held, introducing new formats of cultural tourism that contribute to the prosperity and rapid development of the cultural market. Libraries, cultural centers, and museums in the province collectively welcomed 741,400 visitors, showcasing the cultural appeal of these locations.
The Duanwu Festival coincided with the 9th Chengdu International Intangible Cultural Heritage Festival, where all major events were open to the public free of charge. On the first day of the festival, the event attracted 260,000 visitors, a 41.3% increase compared to the previous year.
Original title: First Day of Duanwu Festival: City’s A-Level Attractions Welcome 113,600 Tourists
Duanwu Festival
The Duanwu Festival, also known as the Dragon Boat Festival, is a traditional Chinese holiday celebrated on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month. It honors the memory of Qu Yuan, a patriotic poet from the Warring States period who drowned himself in protest, and is marked by dragon boat races, eating zongzi (sticky rice dumplings), and other customs to ward off evil. The festival, with over 2,000 years of history, was added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2009.
A-level attractions
«A-level attractions» typically refer to top-tier tourist destinations known for their cultural, historical, or natural significance. These sites often have rich histories, such as ancient landmarks like the Great Wall of China or iconic monuments like the Eiffel Tower, which draw millions of visitors annually. They are usually recognized by tourism boards or heritage organizations for their outstanding value and global appeal.
Libraries
Libraries are cultural and educational institutions that collect, preserve, and provide access to books, manuscripts, and other resources. Their history dates back to ancient times, with early examples like the Library of Alexandria (3rd century BCE), which sought to gather all human knowledge. Today, libraries serve as vital community hubs, offering not only literature but also digital resources, learning programs, and public spaces.
Cultural centers
Cultural centers are institutions dedicated to preserving, promoting, and celebrating the arts, heritage, and traditions of a community or region. They often host exhibitions, performances, workshops, and educational programs to foster cultural exchange and appreciation. Many cultural centers have historical significance, serving as hubs for social movements or revitalizing local traditions in modern contexts.
Museums
Museums are institutions that preserve, study, and exhibit objects of cultural, historical, or scientific significance. Their origins date back to ancient times, but the modern museum emerged during the Renaissance and Enlightenment, with the Louvre (opened 1793) often considered the first public museum. Today, they serve as educational hubs, showcasing art, artifacts, and discoveries that reflect human heritage and innovation.
Chengdu International Intangible Cultural Heritage Festival
The **Chengdu International Intangible Cultural Heritage Festival** is a biennial event held in Chengdu, China, dedicated to preserving and showcasing global intangible cultural heritage. Established in 2007, it features traditional crafts, performances, and rituals from around the world, promoting cultural exchange and awareness. The festival highlights China’s commitment to safeguarding intangible heritage while fostering international collaboration.
