Tourists visit the Farming Culture Museum at Red Street Cultural Park in Lu'an city, East China's Anhui Province, July 25, 2025.

Patriotism-themed tourism, also known as "red tourism," has gained momentum during this year's summer vacation as students and young people pay tribute to national heroes across China.  

Data from travel platform Qunar.com sent to Global Times on Thursday showed that hotel bookings for Jinggangshan, East China's Jiangxi Province, Yan'an, Northwest China's Shaanxi Province, and Shaoshan, Central China's Hunan Province have all ramped up.

Jinggangshan, which boasts both pristine natural scenery and the cultural heritage of the revolution, is an example. Ticket bookings for the scenic area have increased by 22 percent year-on-year this summer. Hotel bookings are up by 40 percent year-on-year, 12 percentage points higher than the overall growth rate for Jiangxi Province.

"Red tourism" destinations are attracting a growing number of tourists. Hotel bookings in Yan'an have increased by nearly 20 percent year-on-year this summer, while those in Shaoshan are up by 12 percent, Qunar.com said. 

"Red tourism" is also becoming a more interactive experience, and the rise of live cultural performances has become a new highlight of those scenic spots.

In Zunyi, Southwest China's Guizhou Province, where the renowned Zunyi Meeting was held, a landmark event in the history of the Communist Party of China as it largely determined the fate of the Party at a critical juncture for its survival. The live-action performance of Great Victory at Loushan Pass, featuring realistic combat scenes and immersive experiences, has boosted ticket bookings for the entire Loushanguan scenic area. On Qunar.com, ticket bookings for the performance have risen by 41 percent year-on-year this summer.

In addition, a large-scale live-action performance at Jinggangshan has received a 28 percent year-on-year increase in ticket sales this summer.

Liangdancheng, meaning "the city of the two bombs," the site where China's first atomic and hydrogen bombs were designed, in Zitong County, Mianyang, Southwest China's Sichuan Province, has received a growing number of tourists. 

The daily number of visitors has continued to rise since the start of the summer vacation, according to a recent report by china.com.cn, citing a staff member of the local scenic area. So far, the total number of visitors has exceeded 20,000, and it is estimated that the figure for the entire summer vacation will surpass 100,000, the report said.

This year, the Chinese government has prioritized boosting consumption and stimulating domestic demand as key economic objectives. Authorities have emphasized the need to develop new forms of cultural business and promote the vigorous growth of the tourism sector. Additionally, they have committed to enhancing services and support for foreign investors, reinforcing China's appeal as a top global investment destination.

The surge in tourism spending has been a major driver of China's resilient consumer market. In the first quarter of 2025, domestic tourist trips exceeded 1.79 billion, marking a 26.4 percent increase compared to the same period last year. During this time, total tourism spending reached 1.8 trillion yuan ($209.7 billion), reflecting an 18.6 percent year-on-year rise.

Global Times