Yingge dance performers in colorful costumes march through Guanlan Ancient Market in Longhua during the May Day holiday, drawing crowds of spectators. Chen Jianhua

Longhua District in Shenzhen recorded strong growth in tourism and consumer spending during the May Day holiday, driven by rising cross-border travel, cultural events and growing demand for slower-paced urban leisure experiences.

The district received 887,200 visits during the five-day holiday, up 48.3% year on year, while tourism revenue rose 77.55% to 675 million yuan (US$93.4 million), according to local authorities.

Inbound tourism from Hong Kong posted particularly strong growth. Longhua received 35,900 Hong Kong visitors during the holiday, a 343.6% increase from a year earlier, boosted by promotional events held in Hong Kong before the break.

Authorities said the district also saw a rise in overnight stays. Nearly 200,000 overnight visitors were recorded during the holiday, up 77.25% year on year, while average stays extended from one or two days to two or three days.

Historic sites, cultural venues and outdoor leisure destinations attracted large crowds despite rainy weather during parts of the holiday.

At Guanlan Ancient Market, visitors gathered along the historic streets to watch Yingge dance performances, shadow puppetry and puppet shows during the ongoing fourth Guanlan Ancient Market Cultural Season. The area also drew visitors with cultural exhibitions and immersive spaces highlighting Lingnan heritage and overseas Chinese culture.

Art venues across the district also reported strong visitor traffic.

The “Spring Voice” youth arts season opened at Luhu Art Center with concerts and public performances during the holiday, while the Shenzhen Art Museum attracted visitors with exhibitions featuring ancient Chinese stone rubbings, contemporary ink art and modern art installations.

Visitors view the “Fossil Kingdom: Epic of Life” exhibition at the Shenzhen Art Museum’s new venue in Longhua during the May Day holiday. Chen Jianhua

Live entertainment also contributed to holiday spending. Performances at the Mahua Fun Age Hongshan Theater in Longhua drew large audiences during the break, while shopping centers across the district hosted music events, themed markets and family-oriented activities.

At Uniworld, one of Shenzhen’s largest commercial complexes, a newly opened pet-friendly street hosted pet parades, markets and interactive events during the holiday, attracting families and younger visitors.

Shoppers and visitors gather at the Hongshan 6979 commercial complex in Longhua during the May Day holiday. Cai Weize

Outdoor leisure destinations also remained popular.

Along the 14.2-kilometer Guanlan River Greenway, residents and tourists camped, cycled and relaxed by the waterfront. The greenway stretches across several subdistricts and has become a popular recreational corridor in northern Shenzhen.

At Mission Hills, a hydrangea exhibition featuring more than 5,000 flowers drew holiday visitors seeking seasonal outdoor activities and photo opportunities.

Several tourist attractions in the district also rolled out immersive performances and interactive programs during the holiday period, including live shows, folk performances and nighttime activities.

The holiday figures reflect Longhua’s growing role as a leisure and consumption destination in northern Shenzhen, particularly among visitors seeking shorter, more experience-focused trips combining culture, entertainment and outdoor recreation.