People enjoy peonies at Liuhe Pagoda. [Photo/WeChat account: visithangzhou]

The combination of the Qingming Festival and spring break for students has led to a spring tourism boom in Hangzhou, with the city welcoming 6.8 million visitors from April 4 to 6, according to the Hangzhou municipal bureau of culture, radio, TV and tourism.

Spring blossoms became a major draw. The 18th Peony Exhibition at Liuhe Pagoda Cultural Park showcased nearly 80 ground-planted and 130 potted varieties, while Taiziwan Park's tulip display featured an 8,000-square-meter floral sea inspired by the romantic legend of Liangzhu. At Xixi National Wetland Park, the Huachao Festival presented 105 flower species and nearly 80,000 plants, creating a breathtaking spring landscape. Many districts also launched flower viewing and micro-vacation experiences, blending natural scenery with rural life.

Beyond sightseeing, the integration of performances and tourism also boosted visitor numbers. Jay Chou's world tour concerts attracted nearly 150,000 fans nationwide, complemented by themed city walk activities. Meanwhile, the HAHA 1st 2026 Hangzhou Animation & Game Carnival drew over 30,000 attendees.

Traditional activities such as tomb sweeping and countryside excursions remained popular, alongside cultural and educational tours. With many Chinese cities scheduling spring breaks from April 1, the combined holidays generated two waves of family travel. Hangzhou ranked among the top three cities for hotel bookings during the holiday, underscoring its enduring appeal as a cultural and tourism destination.

People take a boat ride at the Xixi Wetlands. [Photo/WeChat account: visithangzhou]