The Broken Bridge on West Lake experiences record-breaking crowds over the holiday. [Photo/WeChat account: hzfbwx]

Hangzhou saw a tourism boom during the May Day holiday, receiving 9.6 million domestic visitors from May 1 to 5 — a 35.4-percent year-on-year increase — according to the Hangzhou municipal bureau of culture, radio, TV and tourism.

There were a total of 16.13 million visitors, up 53 percent, placing the city among China's top three holiday destinations alongside Beijing and Shanghai.

Core attractions such as Broken Bridge, Lingyin-Feilai Peak, and Three Pools Mirroring the Moon saw record-breaking crowds. On May 3 alone, Hangzhou received over 4 million tourists — an all-time high.

Children wear VR devices for immersive experiences. [Photo/WeChat account: hzfbwx]

Technology played a major role in reshaping the holiday experience. From dancing robots at West Lake to AI-driven exhibits and esports tournaments in Gongshu, digital innovation added a futuristic flair to traditional sightseeing. The first Zhejiang (Hangzhou) International Fashion Sports Week also merged fitness, consumption, and style, drawing large crowds.

Cruise ships sail over the Qiantang River. [Photo/WeChat account: hzfbwx]

Meanwhile, rural tourism emerged as a popular "reverse travel" trend. On May 3, over 1 million visitors explored Hangzhou's countryside, with boutique homestays in Tonglu county reporting full occupancy. Chun'an county drew tourists with seasonal foods, local markets, and cultural experiences.

Inbound tourism also saw a revival, boosted by relaxed visa and tax-free shopping policies. Hangzhou ranked among the top 10 cities for international travelers during the holiday, with bookings up 63 percent year-on-year.

With a dynamic blend of tech, culture, and nature, Hangzhou's tourism market continues to thrive, setting new benchmarks in holiday travel.

Music festivals are popular among the young during holidays. [Photo/WeChat account: hzfbwx]

A campsite in Hangzhou is fully booked during the holiday. [Photo/WeChat account: hzfbwx]

Visitors paraglide over Qiandao Lake. [Photo/WeChat account: hzfbwx]

Tourists in traditional Chinese costumes visit the Xixi Wetland Park. [Photo/WeChat account: hzfbwx]