Ningbo's tourism booms during May Day holiday

Tourists flock to the Xiangshan Film and Television City in Xiangshan county, Ningbo. [Photo/Xiangshan Film and Television City]

Ningbo experienced a surge in tourism during the 2025 May Day holiday, welcoming 7.95 million visitors, a 10.5 percent increase from last year. Tourism revenue reached 9.14 billion yuan ($1.26 billion), reflecting an 8.61 percent growth.

To improve visitor experiences, the city organized a variety of cultural events. Xikou ancient town in Fenghua district hosted a flower goddess parade and interactive performances, while Dongqian Lake introduced theatrical shows, leading to a 16.66 percent boost in revenue. Other attractions, such as the Songlan Mountain Tourist Resort, reported high attendance with 180,000 visitors during its wave-riding festival.

A robot dog show at the Shipu Fishing Port in Xiangshan county, Ningbo. [Photo/Xiangshan Tourism Group]

Ningbo is increasingly integrating high-tech elements into its tourism landscape. Firefighting robot dogs patrolled ancient streets, and the newly opened China Sea Film City featured advanced VR attractions. The historic Cicheng ancient town transformed into a technology-driven wonder, featuring drone performances, robot dog performances, and interactive experiences.

As China Tourism Day (May 19) approaches, Ningbo aims to expand its cultural and tech-based tourism offerings, strengthening its reputation as a modern travel destination, according to an official from the Ningbo bureau of culture, radio, film, and tourism.