Chongqing’s Wushan county has witnessed an extraordinary surge in tourism as its 19th Yangtze River Three Gorges International Red Leaf Festival attracted an unprecedented 4.7 million visitors between November and December. According to the local culture and tourism committee, this remarkable figure represents a 13.22 percent increase compared to the previous year’s attendance, setting a new benchmark for the annual autumn event.
The festival’s overwhelming popularity necessitated unprecedented measures as Wushan’s three major scenic areas issued crowd control notifications for the first time in the event’s history. Several outdoor routes consistently recorded daily visitor numbers exceeding 10,000, while accommodation providers reported average occupancy rates surpassing 80 percent across the county. More than 270,000 guests opted for overnight stays, significantly boosting local hospitality revenue.
The international festival, centered around the spectacular autumn foliage along the Yangtze River Three Gorges, has evolved into one of Chongqing’s most significant cultural tourism attractions. The dramatic increase in visitor numbers reflects growing domestic tourism demand and successful marketing strategies implemented by local authorities. The event not only showcases nature’s vibrant transformation but also demonstrates how seasonal phenomena can drive substantial economic benefits to regional communities through tourism development.