Core Insights - The tourism market is shifting from traditional scenic spots to lesser-known destinations, reflecting changing consumer preferences and behaviors [6][12][28] - The popularity of 5A scenic spots is declining, with their brand index halving over the past four years, while interest in small towns has surged [6][12] - The rise of alternative tourism experiences, such as local markets and cultural immersion, is challenging the dominance of established tourist attractions [25][28] Group 1: Changing Tourism Trends - The influx of visitors to previously overlooked destinations, such as industrial cities, indicates a significant shift in tourism dynamics [6][12] - Data shows a 200% increase in searches for less crowded destinations ahead of the upcoming National Day holiday [6] - The brand index of the top 100 5A scenic spots has decreased significantly, highlighting a shift in consumer interest [6][12] Group 2: Visitor Experience and Pricing Issues - Tourists are increasingly frustrated with the high costs and poor experiences at 5A scenic spots, leading to a perception of being exploited [10][12] - The cost of visiting popular attractions has risen sharply, with some visitors reporting expenses exceeding 1,500 yuan to fully experience a site [10][12] - The traditional model of tourism, where visitors follow a fixed itinerary, is being disrupted by a demand for more personalized and authentic experiences [12][28] Group 3: Competition and Market Dynamics - The competition among various tourist destinations is intensifying, with many 5A scenic spots investing heavily in infrastructure to attract visitors [15][24] - The rise of music festivals and local cultural events is drawing younger audiences away from traditional tourist spots, indicating a shift in leisure preferences [28] - The evaluation criteria for 5A scenic spots often favor those with better facilities over unique natural beauty, limiting the potential of many lesser-known attractions [22][24]

Core Points - The article highlights the surge in tourist traffic at major scenic spots during the national holiday, leading to temporary visitor limits at several well-known attractions [1] - Specific attractions like the Sanxingdui Museum and Panda Valley have reported sold-out tickets for multiple days, indicating high demand [1] - The Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area has reached its maximum visitor capacity for several days, prompting the implementation of a standby ticket registration system [10] Group 1 - Major scenic spots are experiencing record visitor numbers, with many attractions already fully booked for the holiday period [1] - Jiuzhaigou's maximum daily capacity is 41,000 visitors, and it has sold out 205,000 tickets over the past five days [10][11] - The opening of the Jiuzhaigou-Mianyang Expressway has significantly reduced travel time to the area, contributing to increased tourist numbers [11] Group 2 - The local tourism industry is actively promoting ticket discounts for various attractions during the holiday, enhancing visitor engagement [12] - The overall accommodation capacity in Jiuzhaigou has exceeded 60,000 beds, with the ability to host over 80,000 visitors, meeting the increased demand [11]

Core Viewpoint - The implementation of "limited photo time" measures in popular tourist attractions aims to alleviate congestion and improve visitor efficiency, but it has sparked debate regarding the impact on the overall tourist experience [1][2]. Group 1: Tourist Experience and Management - The long queues at iconic photo spots are primarily due to insufficient supply of quality attractions, uneven distribution of scenic spots, and a lack of diverse activities [1]. - Critics argue that tourism should not be treated as a standardized process, emphasizing the need for a more relaxed and enjoyable experience rather than a rushed visit [1]. Group 2: Solutions for Improvement - To address the surge in visitors, the industry should focus on expanding capacity rather than imposing time limits, by creating more attractions, diverse photo opportunities, and engaging local performances [1]. - Enhancing service quality is essential, including optimizing visitor routes, providing conveniences for special groups, and implementing digital maps to display real-time queue information, which can improve visitor comfort and reduce negative emotions associated with long waits [2]. - By prioritizing the genuine needs of tourists and offering better products, the industry can convert visitor traffic into consumer loyalty, ultimately increasing revenue and making tourism a vital part of a fulfilling life [2].

Core Viewpoint - The implementation of "time-limited photo" measures in popular tourist attractions aims to alleviate congestion and improve visitor efficiency, but it raises concerns about diminishing the relaxed experience of tourism [1][2] Group 1: Tourist Experience and Management - The phenomenon of long queues for photo opportunities is primarily due to the insufficient supply of quality photo spots, uneven distribution of attractions, and a lack of diverse activities [1] - Relying on management restrictions like "time-limited photo" is not a sustainable solution; instead, enhancing the overall service and product quality of attractions is essential for long-term development [1] Group 2: Supply and Service Optimization - To address the surge in visitors, attractions should focus on "expanding capacity" rather than imposing time limits, by designing more attractions, creating additional photo opportunities, and offering more interactive experiences [1] - Optimizing visitor services, such as improving tour routes, providing conveniences for special groups, and implementing digital maps to show real-time queue information, can enhance the overall visitor experience and alleviate negative emotions associated with long waits [2] - By prioritizing the genuine experiences of visitors and offering better products, the tourism industry can convert visitor traffic into consumer loyalty, ultimately increasing revenue and making tourism a vital part of a fulfilling life [2]

Core Insights - The National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday has led to a significant increase in tourist activity, with many scenic spots experiencing sold-out tickets on the first day of the holiday [1][2] - The holiday period, lasting 8 days, has resulted in an extended average stay for tourists, with a notable increase in visitors staying 7-8 days in the same city compared to the same period in 2024 [1] - The newly recognized UNESCO World Heritage site, the Western Xia Tombs, has seen a surge in interest, with a 114% increase in search volume since September 1 [1][2] Tourist Trends - The peak travel day was October 1, with a sustained travel trend expected from September 27 to October 12, indicating a shift towards later holiday travel [3] - There is a growing trend of tourists opting for less crowded, cost-effective county-level destinations, with a 51% increase in pre-orders for county tourism compared to the previous year [3] - Popular county destinations such as Dongtai in Jiangsu, Haining in Zhejiang, and Jingxi in Guangxi have seen over 100% growth in tourism pre-orders compared to last year [3] Scenic Spot Preparations - Scenic spots, including the Western Xia Tombs, have implemented measures to manage the influx of visitors, such as extending opening hours and adding temporary parking facilities [2] - The Western Xia Tombs has launched a feedback system for visitors to enhance their experience during the busy holiday period [2]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the significant increase in tourist activity during the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday, with many popular attractions experiencing record attendance and ticket sales [3][4]. Group 1: Tourist Trends - October 1 marked the peak travel day for the holiday, with many attractions, including the Forbidden City and Jiuzhaigou, selling out tickets [3]. - The average stay duration for tourists in the same city has increased by over 50% compared to the same period in 2024 [3][6]. - The holiday period, combining National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival, extends to 8 days, contributing to the surge in travel [3]. Group 2: Attraction Performance - The Xixia Tombs, newly listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in July 2025, saw a 114% increase in search volume since September 1 [4]. - Online travel platform bookings for the Xixia Tombs have significantly increased compared to the previous year, indicating strong interest in its cultural heritage [4]. - The Xixia Tombs have implemented measures to manage the expected high visitor numbers, including extended opening hours and additional parking facilities [4]. Group 3: Consumer Behavior - There is a noticeable shift in tourist preferences, with an increase in bookings for lesser-known county-level destinations, which saw a 51% rise in pre-orders compared to last year [6]. - Popular county destinations like Dongtai in Jiangsu, Haining in Zhejiang, and Jingxi in Guangxi experienced over 100% growth in tourism bookings compared to the same period last year [6]. - The trend indicates that traditional tourist spots are reaching capacity, prompting visitors to seek more cost-effective travel options [6].

Core Insights - The article discusses the transformation of the tourism market in China, highlighting a shift from traditional scenic spots to lesser-known destinations gaining popularity [6][9][29] - It emphasizes the growing dissatisfaction among tourists regarding the commercialization and high costs associated with 5A scenic areas, leading to a decline in their attractiveness [12][25][35] Group 1: Tourism Market Trends - The popularity of destinations like Xinjiang has surged, but the influx of tourists has led to overcrowding and logistical challenges [4][6] - Data shows a 200% increase in interest for less crowded travel options, with small towns becoming popular destinations [7][29] - The brand index of the top 100 5A scenic spots has halved over the past four years, indicating a decline in their appeal [7] Group 2: Tourist Experience and Pricing - Tourists are increasingly frustrated with hidden costs and excessive fees at 5A scenic spots, leading to feelings of being exploited [10][12] - The article provides examples of exorbitant costs at popular sites, with some requiring up to 1500 yuan to visit all attractions [12][14] - The revenue growth of traditional scenic spots is not keeping pace with rising operational costs, leading to financial strain [14][15] Group 3: Competition and Alternatives - The rise of alternative tourism experiences, such as local food markets and cultural immersion, is drawing visitors away from traditional scenic spots [32][35] - The article notes that the demand for music festivals and other experiential events is increasing, contrasting with the stagnation of 5A scenic areas [35] - Tourists are seeking unique and authentic experiences, leading to a decline in the popularity of cookie-cutter tourist attractions [25][35]

Group 1 - The National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday saw a peak in tourist activity, with many scenic spots experiencing sold-out tickets on the first day, including the Forbidden City and Jiuzhaigou Valley [2][3] - The holiday period, lasting 8 days, has led to an increase in the average stay duration of tourists, with a 50% rise in visitors staying 7-8 days in the same city compared to the same period in 2024 [2] - The Xixia Tombs, recently designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, has seen a significant increase in ticket bookings, with a 114% rise in search volume since September 1 [2][3] Group 2 - To manage the influx of visitors during the holiday, the Xixia Tombs has implemented a holiday tourism reception plan, including extended opening hours and additional temporary parking to accommodate increased traffic [3] - Local lifestyle service businesses, such as restaurants and entertainment venues, are expected to experience a surge in consumer traffic from October 2 to 3, following the initial peak on October 1 [3] - There is a noticeable shift in tourist preferences towards lesser-known, cost-effective county-level destinations, with a 51% increase in tourism consumption orders for these areas compared to the previous year [5][6]

Core Insights - The "Super Golden Week" holiday has commenced, showcasing a trend of decentralized tourism destinations with significant growth in emerging locations while traditional popular spots remain highly visited [1][5] - There are currently 16,500 A-level scenic spots in China, with 358 classified as 5A, representing about 2% of the total, highlighting their scarcity and appeal [1][5] - Jiangsu province leads with 26 5A scenic spots, followed by Zhejiang and Xinjiang/Sichuan with 22 and 18 respectively [1] Industry Overview - The 5A scenic spots generate spillover effects and multiplier impacts, driving the entire consumption chain and progressively influencing the surrounding regions, prompting many cities to include the development of 5A scenic spots in their planning [5] - Since the first batch of 66 5A scenic spots was designated in 2007, the number has expanded significantly, with 41 new spots added in 2024, bringing the total to 358 [5][8] - The increase in 5A scenic spots has led to diverse choices but also raised concerns regarding high ticket prices, inadequate reception capacity, outdated facilities, and excessive commercialization [5] Rating System - The concept of "5A scenic spot" was introduced in the 2003 version of the "Tourism Scenic Spot Quality Rating and Assessment," which includes a strict scoring system with a total of 1,000 points, requiring at least 950 points for a 5A rating [8][9] - A dynamic management mechanism was implemented in 2015 to address the lack of an exit strategy for underperforming 5A scenic spots, allowing for the removal or rectification of non-compliant sites [8] - The first scenic spot to be downgraded was the Qinhuangdao Shanhaiguan Scenic Area due to issues like price fraud and poor environmental conditions, which was reinstated in 2018 after improvements [8] Recent Developments - A new national standard for tourism scenic spot quality ratings was implemented in March this year, replacing the previous standard that had been in place for 21 years, marking a new evaluation phase for scenic spots [10]

Core Viewpoint - The "Super Golden Week" holiday has seen a significant shift in tourism patterns, with a decentralization of popular destinations and a notable increase in emerging tourist spots, while traditional 5A scenic spots remain highly attractive to travelers [2][7]. Group 1: Overview of 5A Scenic Spots - There are currently 16,500 A-level scenic spots in China, with 358 classified as 5A, representing approximately 2% of the total, highlighting their scarcity and appeal [2][7]. - Jiangsu province leads with 26 5A scenic spots, followed by Zhejiang and Xinjiang/Sichuan with 22 and 18 respectively [3]. Group 2: Economic Impact and Development - The proliferation of 5A scenic spots is expected to generate spillover effects and a multiplier effect, enhancing the entire consumption chain related to tourism and progressively impacting the surrounding regions [7]. - The year 2024 marks the largest expansion of 5A scenic spots in the past decade, with 41 new additions, bringing the total to 358 [7]. Group 3: Evaluation and Standards - The concept of "5A Scenic Area" was first introduced in 2003, with a scoring system based on various criteria, requiring a minimum score of 950 out of 1000 for classification [10]. - A dynamic management mechanism was implemented in 2015 to ensure ongoing compliance, allowing for the removal of non-compliant scenic spots, with the first to be removed being the Qinhuangdao Shanhaiguan scenic area due to issues like price fraud and poor facilities [10][12]. Group 4: New Standards Implementation - A new national standard for tourism scenic area classification was implemented in March this year, replacing the previous standard that had been in place for 21 years, indicating a fresh start for scenic spots to meet updated criteria [12].