More than 20,000 tourists visit Yungang Grottoes in Datong city, Shanxi province, on May 1. [Photo/Shanxi Daily]

The tourism sector of Datong city in North China's Shanxi province realized steady growth during the May Day holiday from May 1 to 5.

The city introduced innovations in its cultural and tourism products, which had a positive impact.

It improved its tourist services and launched new travel routes themed around flower appreciation and the Great Wall. All these measures reportedly helped with the rapid recovery and high-quality development of the local culture and tourism industries, countering the negative influence brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The city's eight major tourist attractions -- including Yungang Grottoes, Hengshan Mountain and Huayan Temple -- received a total of 371,600 visits during the five-day holiday. Lierkou, Shoukoubao and Deshengbao villages, Motianling scenic area, as well as Gaoshan Ancient City, became the main hot spots for rural tourism in Datong.

Singing, dancing, folk art and opera performances held in Hanshuirenjia scenic area in Lingqiu county proved popular. Also a hit were performances of yangko (a popular folk dance) as well as errentai folk performances in Huata folk village, while Guangling county's Shennong Diangu Festival attracted large numbers of tourists.

Red tourism also proved popular. The city's main sites with a revolutionary legacy and patriotic features -- including Pingxingguandajie Memorial Hall and Daquan Mountain Revolutionary Education Base -- experienced a significant increase in the number of visitors. The Pingxingguandajie Memorial Hall alone received 28,069 visits during the break.