( chinadaily.com.cn )

The tourism market in Lingbao county, Sanmenxia, generated 24 million yuan ($3.68 million) in revenue during the Spring Festival holiday (Feb 7-13), an increase of 14.3 percent on 2014's figure.

According to local officials, Lingbao received 230,400 tourists during the holiday, up 11.6 percent compared to a year ago. Revenues generated by the tourist attractions across the county totaled 3.22 million yuan during the period.

Star-level and chain hotels achieved an average occupancy rate of 84 percent during the festive period, a 15 percent year-on-year rise.

Officials attributed the positive results to various events held across the county aimed at entertaining crowds. Colorful folk art programs such as tai chi and slingshot contests, and the county's Hangu Pass scenic spot (deemed as the origin of Chinese Daoism) attracted 112,400 tourists from Feb 8-13.

A number of tourist attractions in the county, including Niangniang Mountain and Sunshine Hot Spring Resort provided preferential tickets for the holiday in a bid to attract more visitors.

No accidents or complaints were reported in Lingbao during the week-long festival, thanks to the strong enforcement of law, according to officials.

Hangu Pass is deemed to be the origin of Daoism in China. Over 112,000 tourists from across the world paid homage there during the holiday, earning the attraction 1.20 million yuan in revenue. [Photo/smx.gov.cn]