Cangzhou's Cultural Tourism Revolution: A Blueprint for Urban Revitalization

Cangzhou, a city in China, has become a hot destination for cultural tourism thanks to its innovative approach that combines centuries-old heritage with forward-thinking programs. Over the 2025 May Day holiday, Cangzhou welcomed 4.049 million visitors, a 21.34% year-over-year increase, generating 2.991 billion yuan in tourism-related revenue, up 9.24% from the previous year. The city's success stems from its integrated approach to tourism, which includes the restoration of the Grand Canal, traditional medicine heritage, and acrobatic martial arts, as well as immersive experiences such as VR simulations and live wushu-acrobatics performances.

Key Takeaways:

• Cangzhou has become a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site and a World Natural Heritage site, with the Grand Canal and Nandagang Migratory Bird Habitat attracting millions of visitors.
• The city's tourism revenue increased by 9.24% year-over-year, with 4.049 million visitors and 2.991 billion yuan in tourism-related revenue during the 2025 May Day holiday.
• Cangzhou's Nanchuan Ancient Street has become a popular destination, featuring retro-style buildings and historically inspired architecture, and hosting events such as the Cangzhou's Second Hotpot Chicken Festival.
• The city's approach to cultural tourism includes integrating centuries-old heritage with forward-thinking programs, public engagement, and cross-sector collaboration.
• Since its launch in 2023, the Nanchuan Ancient Street has attracted over 5 million visitors, peaking at 100,000 in a single day.
• Cangzhou's "Cultural Cangzhou" initiative has hosted a broad array of public events, including music festivals, anime conventions, EDM carnivals, and stadium concerts.
• The city is planning to roll out a new slate of cultural tourism events designed to welcome international visitors, including the "Sing Along the Grand Canal: Cangzhou Zero-Distance Music Festival - Shilixiang Night".

Statistics:

• 4.049 million visitors to Cangzhou during the 2025 May Day holiday (21.34% increase year-over-year)
• 2.991 billion yuan in tourism-related revenue during the 2025 May Day holiday (9.24% increase year-over-year)
• Over 5 million visitors to Nanchuan Ancient Street since its launch in 2023
• 100,000 visitors to Nanchuan Ancient Street in a single day
• 2.5 billion yuan in tourism revenue for 2024
• 4% annual growth rate in tourism revenue since 2020

Sources:

• Xinhuanet
• Cangzhou Government
• China National Tourism Administration