By hannover-web.com “Could you shift a bit to the left… Perfect, now just look at the camera!” During the National Day holiday, the National Museum buzzed with visitors eager to capture the moment. At the “Journey on Ice: Celebrating 40 Years of China’s Polar Research” exhibition, attendees snapped photos in front of models of the iconic research vessels “Snow Dragon” and “Snow Dragon 2,” experiencing the strength of China’s endeavors in the challenging Arctic region.
As October ushers in a golden autumn, the spirit of National Day encapsulates the nation. From exploring exhibitions to admiring ancient architecture and watching films, travelers are taking advantage of a plethora of cultural and tourism offerings, celebrating the richness of their heritage while enjoying this remarkable time.
On the first day of the holiday, the Ming Sha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring area was alive with activity. As night approached, a massive national flag was raised up the sandy slope, signifying the start of a unique National Day concert under the stars, where visitors sang heartfelt renditions of “Happy Birthday to You” and “My Country and I,” expressing their deep love for their homeland.
Throughout the National Day holiday, every nook and cranny of the country—from historic sites to majestic mountains, bustling cities to quaint ancient towns—transformed into vibrant hubs teeming with tourists, showcasing a thriving cultural tourism market. The Ministry of Transportation reported that on October 2 alone, there were 283.67 million inter-regional traveler movements, a 4.1% increase from the same period last year and a 15% rise compared to 2019.
As night fell on October 2, the old pedestrian streets of Haikou came alive with a showcase of intangible cultural heritage, highlighting the beauty of traditional minority clothing. This year, Hainan has rolled out various travel experiences alongside over 70 cultural performances and sporting events, ensuring that tourists enjoy a rich and festive holiday.
In Shanxi, the gaming sensation “Black Myth: Wukong” has sparked renewed interest in local tourism. Attractions like Feiyun Tower, Bell Tower Street, and Pingyao Ancient City were bustling with visitors. Travel platform data shows that bookings during the first three days of the holiday soared by 63% compared to the Mid-Autumn Festival, with cities such as Linfen, Datong, and Jinzhong experiencing over 100% growth in bookings.
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism has encouraged travelers to plan their routes and schedules wisely, adhere to safety protocols, and respect the environment. Tourists are reminded to cherish cultural relics and public facilities while participating in the “Clean Plate Campaign” aimed at promoting environmental conservation and sustainable tourism.
At the Hong Kong Palace Museum, visitors explored the “Tracing the Roots of Chinese Civilization” exhibit, which features 110 treasured artifacts spanning over 5,000 years, including 16 pieces recognized as first-grade national relics—many of which are on display in Hong Kong for the first time. Henry Tang, Chairman of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority, expressed hope that this exhibition would inspire audiences—especially students and young people—to deepen their cultural confidence through an understanding of Chinese civilization’s origins and developments.
Museums have become essential venues for the public to connect with both ancient and modern China, fostering national pride and cultural awareness. During the National Day holiday, numerous museums updated their exhibits, attracting countless visitors eager to engage with historical and cultural treasures.
The Palace Museum launched the “Path of Greatness: A Special Exhibition on Confucian Culture,” showcasing 380 items from nearly 30 archaeological institutions that delve into the core principles of Confucian thought. Additionally, the 14th National Art Exhibition opened at the National Art Museum of China, highlighting the rich developments in China’s contemporary art scene. The South China Sea Museum in Hainan presented its “Deep Blue Treasures” exhibition, unveiling archaeological findings from shipwrecks for the first time.
To accommodate visitor demand, several popular museums, including the Shaanxi History Museum and the Sanxingdui Museum, extended their hours during the holiday. Venues like the Yin Ruins Museum and China Grand Canal Museum also introduced unique nighttime activities, making museum visits a trendy addition to holiday nightlife.
Cultural performances are thriving as well. Emotions ran high as audiences shared online sentiments like “I was nearly brought to tears,” “It’s nothing short of stunning,” and “It took me a while to recover after watching” following screenings of the National Day film “The Volunteer Army: The Battle for Survival,” which pays tribute to the “most lovable people” of the Korean War.
This year’s National Day film lineup is diverse, spanning genres from war and action to realism, sci-fi, and crime. In addition to “The Volunteer Army,” films like “Heroes of Heart,” “Only This Green,” “749 Bureau,” “Path of Fire,” and “Crisis Line” cater to a wide audience. By October 3 at 12:20 PM, the total box office for the National Day films surpassed 1 billion yuan.
The performing arts scene is equally vibrant. From October 1 to 7, Beijing hosted 1,580 commercial performances featuring captivating shows like the ethnic dance drama “Dream of the Red Chamber” and the play “Camel Xiangzi.” In Xinjiang, 381 performances showcased a rich diversity of stage artistry celebrating the nation’s glory and achievements.
Notably, technology has infused a unique flair into holiday performances. The National Centre for the Performing Arts’ production of the Peking opera “The Legend of the White Snake” integrates traditional theater with multimedia elements, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere. Meanwhile, the China Science and Technology Museum collaborated with the China Coal Mine Art Troupe to present an immersive drama titled “Light of Civilization,” bridging time and space for an unprecedented viewing experience.
Across the nation, the festive atmosphere is vibrant, economic activity is buzzing, and a rich array of cultural events fills the holidays with a sense of national pride and warmth. The flourishing cultural landscape of this new era, coupled with innovation and creativity nationwide, promises to drive the momentum toward building a strong nation and achieving national rejuvenation.
