Colorful cultural and tourism activities for National Day in Chaozhou, Guangdong attract tourists from all over the world

On the evening of October 8, the Cultural, Broadcasting, Tourism, and Sports Bureau of Chaozhou City in Guangdong Province shared some exciting news about the impressive visitor turnout during the 2024 National Day holiday. According to data monitoring, approximately 2.29 million tourists traveled from other areas to experience Chaozhou, with the iconic Paifang Street attracting an impressive 955,400 footfalls.

To celebrate the holiday, Chaozhou rolled out a series of cultural and tourism events centered around the “Fu Lou Monkey” theme, aptly titled “Wishes Come True, Meet the Fu Lou Monkey.” These festivities offered a captivating blend of traditional culture infused with modern creativity, ensuring that visitors had a memorable experience.

Spectacular performances took center stage, including captivating displays of Chaozhou Gong and Drum, Yingge dance, and vibrant lion and dragon dances, all set against the backdrop of the historic Zhenhai Tower. Costumed performers, particularly those dressed as the beloved “Fu Lou Monkey,” mingled with tourists, further enhancing the festive atmosphere. At West Lake Park, young singers entertained the crowds, creating an energetic ambiance that particularly resonated with the younger audience.

The holiday activities also featured various heritage markets held at notable historical sites such as Guangji Bridge, Han Wen Gong Shrine, and Xu Fu Ma Mansion. These markets showcased live demonstrations and interactive experiences of Chaozhou’s intangible cultural heritage, including traditional handcrafted teapots, wood carvings, and Chaozhou embroidery, attracting even more tourists eager to dive into the local culture.

One of the highlights was the “Fu Lou Monkey” inflatable parade, which delighted onlookers with a procession of eight large inflatable monkeys adorned in Song Dynasty-style clothing and local cultural elements. This colorful parade took place on Tianshui Road, showcasing the successful fusion of cultural branding and artistic performance. A special stamp collection route was also created, allowing visitors to enjoy a unique cultural journey through Chaozhou while collecting stamps as mementos of their experience.