The West Lake Dragon Boat Festival at Xixi Wetland attracts crowds with its spirited races. [Photo/WeChat account: xihunet]

Hangzhou welcomed 3.48 million visitors during the 2025 Dragon Boat Festival holiday, which coincided with Children's Day, boosting family-friendly travel and short-distance tourism, according to the city's culture and tourism bureau.

Traditional festivities received a modern twist. The West Lake Dragon Boat Festival at Xixi Wetland attracted crowds with its spirited races and ornate dragon boats, while impromptu competitions across Yuhang district brought lively scenes of paddlers racing to the sound of beating drums.

Cultural and indoor attractions saw a surge in popularity amid the rainy weather. Museums extended their hours and unveiled special exhibits. Zhejiang Museum's A Millennium of Song Dynasty Charm and the China National Silk Museum's digital Dunhuang fashion show drew large audiences.

A standout event was the "Manga Jiande" carnival held in Zhijiang village, Jiande, blending countryside charm with cosplay parades, anime markets, and immersive cartoon-themed trails.

Family-oriented travel saw a notable spike, with bookings for theme parks up 60 percent year-on-year. Top attractions included Hangzhou Safari Park, Song Dynasty Town, and Daqi Mountain National Forest Park. Meanwhile, the original stage play Nezha vs. Red Boy at the Jinsha Lake Grand Theater was a hit among families.

Hangzhou's diverse mix of tradition and innovation ensured a festive and culturally rich holiday experience for all.

A cultural parade held at the Town God's Temple at Wushan Mountain scenic area. [Photo/WeChat account: xihunet]