China Travel News

Beijing Tourism Administration reports that during the 2009 New Year holiday tourist numbers increased by an average of 50% compared to the same period for 2008.

According to BJTA, the Palace Museum, the Badaling Great Wall and Beihai Park all saw dramatic increases in the number of tourists during the three-day holiday. In addition, the Bird´s Nest and the Water Cube received 35,000 tourists and 23,000 tourists, respectively, during the period, which was much more than on normal days. BJTA attributes the increased numbers to the unusually mild weather.

In addition, various ski events organized in Beijing´s suburban counties also brought extra custom to the purveyors of food, accommodation, and folk tourism in the surrounding areas. During the three days the average folk tourism income increased by about 10%.

Hot springs are said to be another popular destination for tourists during the New Year. Hotels near hot spring and ski resorts enjoyed increased business during the holiday.