People attend a new year's walk in Gongshu district. [Photo/Tide News]

Hangzhou recorded a strong start to 2026 as its cultural and tourism market surged during the New Year holiday. From Jan 1 to 3, the city's scenic spots, including rural tourism sites, were visited 6.6 million times, according to official data.

Ticket revenue reached 79.98 million yuan ($11.44 million), while 4.0 million visitors came from outside the city, up 15.9 percent year-on-year, based on analysis from the Hangzhou City Brain tourism system.

Popular attractions such as Lingyin Temple, West Lake, the Grand Canal, Qiandao Lake and Hefang Street saw heavy footfall. Lingyin Temple, which offered free admission, saw all online reservation slots fully booked before the holiday.

The accommodation sector also performed well. Overnight stays totaled 1.03 million, up 7.1 percent year-on-year, with an average occupancy rate of 56.8 percent. Graded homestays reported an average occupancy of over 75 percent, boosted by themed new year packages.

A wide range of events — from fireworks shows and concerts to cultural markets, folk activities and ice-and-snow tourism — added to the festive atmosphere. Despite cold and snowy weather in mountainous areas, ski resorts and winter attractions remained popular.

Overall, Hangzhou's New Year holiday market was characterized by strong demand, diverse offerings and orderly operations, delivering a solid opening to 2026.

People ski at a snow resort in Lin'an district during the New Year holiday. [Photo/Tide News]