This year’s National Day Golden Week was the second National Day holiday to occur since the implementation of the free expressway toll policy. It was also the first holiday since the Tourism Law took effect. The policies resulted in higher numbers of self-driving tourists to Taicang during the holiday.

According to tourism statistics, about 409,100 tourists flooded into tourist attractions in Taicang during the National Day holiday. The 10 main tourist destinations have received up to 324,500 visitors, including over 105,000 people to Jincanghu Lake Park and 32,000 to Taicang modern agriculture park, a 28 percent year-on-year growth.

During the holiday, the average occupancy rate of 12 star-grade hotels in Taicang reached 50.2 percent thanks to quality service and promotional activities, including discount meals and group buying activities. Customers mainly came by car from areas around Shanghai, and most booked their rooms online in advance.

Since the Tourism Law was put into force, tourist activities have become more standardized. Taicang’s 16 travel agencies organized group travel packages for a total of 2,900 people during the holiday, a drop of 6 percent year-on-year. Tourism products for autumn and winter were also launched before the National Day holiday. The all-encompassing products, featuring six different themes -- delicacies, green food, idyllic scenery, outdoor activities, cultural landscapes and shopping -- reflect Taicang’s unique glamour and provide visitors with abundant alternatives.

Data from a sample survey indicates that more people from nearby areas visited Shaxi ancient town during the holiday than in previous years. Shaxi’s newly-opened folk customs and comics museum was also a hit. Liuhe ancient town recently restored its historical appearance, attracting a large amount of local tourists and tourists from nearby cities. As a standardized pastoral tourist attraction, the Shuangfeng ecological garden attracted more visitors as well.

Tianjinghu Lake Park, Binhe Park and Xilu Ecological Wetland Park have also become popular relaxation spots. Mr. Chou, who was planning to tour other cities by car, eventually chose to stay and visit each tourist destination in Taicang.

According to incomplete statistics, over 80 percent of tourists came to Taicang from nearby areas. With the improvement of public tourism information services and traffic conditions, visitors can book hotel rooms and entrance tickets online. Taicang has become a good destination for people taking road trips from nearby cities.