Some 4.48 million tourists visited Yantai during the week-long National Day holiday, year-on-year growth of 11.1 percent, bringing in 5.12 billion yuan ($764.05 million) of tourism revenue, up 14.8 percent year-on-year, according to the Yantai municipal tourism bureau.

The famous coastal city is actively promoting tourism that gives visitors a real experience of the region's distinctive local culture, and this approach appears to be paying dividends.

According to market demand, a series of promotional activities had been orchestrated during the golden week by the Yantai municipal tourism bureau, including at well-known scenic spots, commercial complexes, agri-tourism locations and local associations.

The Penglai Pavilion Scenic Spot launched several themed tourist routes that travellers can choose between, with the aim of assisting them to better explore the ancient pavilion.

The Nanshan Scenic Area in Longkou arranged a food festival providing local cuisine to tourists. All activities here were broadcast live on the Internet, further promoting the area to tourists.

Changyu Wine Culture Museum organized lectures on wine and various competitions with prizes, which aroused the interest of tourists and promoted the popularization of wine culture.

A music festival, fitness activities, photographic activities and exhibitions were held at Yantai Hill, catering to tourists' demands for recreation and leisure.

Around 30 rural tourism products were launched by the Yantai municipal tourism bureau. Fruit picking and experiencing the life of local fishermen has become quite popular among tourists over recent years. The quiet life of the countryside and the chance to enjoy nature has never ceased to attract city residents.

Driving tours to Kunyu Mountain, Luoshan Mountain and Aishan Mountain, proved to be favorites for local residents and tourists from nearby cities.

The average occupancy rate of star-class hotels and budget hotels in Yantai reached 72 percent during the National Day holiday.

Tourists wait at Yantai Railway Station during the National Day holiday. [Photo/yantai.iqilu.com]

Tourists have their photographs taken at Yantai Hill during the National Day holiday. [Photo/jiaodong.net]

A music festival is held at Yantai Hill during the National Day holiday. [Photo/jiaodong.net]