During the recent National Day and Mid-Autumn holiday, Qingdao solidified its status as a premier coastal destination, ranking among the nation's top 10 long-haul travel spots. It was the only city in Shandong province to achieve this distinction.

Travel data from Ctrip shows a robust 18 percent year-on-year increase in Qingdao's tourist bookings, outpacing the national average by 7 percentage points. The city's visitor base was notably driven by travelers from Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Nanjing, and Tianjin, which together contributed 58 percent of all non-local tourists. Tourists from Beijing, in particular, displayed a strong preference for premium experiences, often booking high-star rated seaside rooms and family suites an average of 21 days in advance.

Online buzz played a pivotal role in fueling this tourism surge. Hashtags like "Qingdao Seafood Season" gained popularity, captivating food lovers nationwide by vividly displaying the vibrant seafood markets and the city's signature culinary delights.

Meanwhile, searches for "Qingdao night tours" increased by 200 percent. Iconic attractions such as the Zhanqiao Pier light show, moon-gazing at Xiaoyu Hill, and drone performances at the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center formed a captivating "Night Qingdao Trilogy," creating unforgettable romantic memories for visitors.

This seamless blend of digital allure and authentic, immersive experiences — from the bustling docks to the enchanting nights — proved to be the winning formula, transforming online popularity into both strong on-the-ground economic impact and lasting positive word-of-mouth for the northern top coastal resort city.

Qingdao offers a captivating blend of coastal serenity and vibrant urban energy. [Photo/WeChat account: sdta12301]