This is partly attributed to the publicity efforts of Fujian Province before the festival. At the beginning of this year a 70-member tourism promotion mission of Fujian went to the two provinces with a large number of scenic pictures, over 30,000 pieces of publicity materials, and folk dances, puppet shows and souvenirs to introduce Fujian's rich tourism resources.

Previously, Hainan and Guangdong provinces have been the first choice for most of the northern travel agencies to set a southern trip.

Chinese people used to spend the special occasion at home with all the family members gathering together. However, in recent years, the longer holidays and the rise of income have inspired an increasing number of citizens to travel either in other provinces or in foreign countries.

Dalian, as a port city in northeast China, is hot with tourism during the Spring Festival. So far, 16 international flights and nine domestic ones have brought visitors from Japan, Malaysia and other provinces to the coastal city. The total number of overseas tourists during the Spring Festival is estimated to have topped 10,000.

(Eastday 01/29/01)