QINGDAO was the 7th most popular city for Chinese tourists during the seven-day National Day holiday that ended Thursday, according to research.

Conducted by the China Tourism Academy and Ctrip.com, the most popular travel Web site in China, the study was based on bookings of flights and data from backpackers, travel agencies, visits to the Web site and search engines.

The largest numbers of visitors were seen at Zhanqiao Pier, Little Qingdao, Qingdao Underwater World, Zhongshan Park, May Fourth Square, Qingdao Polar Ocean World and Laoshan Mountain.

Qingdao Underwater World alone attracted nearly 200,000 tourists during the Golden Week, the largest number in recent years.

In contrast with previous years, most visitors did not come as part of tour groups, instead choosing to drive to Qingdao. The number of tourists arriving by plane or train also increased from last year. Most of the city’s star-rated hotels saw an 85 percent occupancy rate, Qingdao’s tourism administration said.

High-end travel packages were also popular this year, with a large number of tourists renting yachts to go fishing, Yinhai International Yacht Club said.

The club rented out more than 30 luxury yachts every day during the holidays, with half being rented for fishing.

Travel routes to islands were also popular. Fourteen sea tourism enterprises received around 10,000 guests every day during the holidays. Tianheng Island, Lingshan Island and Zhucha Island saw similar numbers.

Meanwhile, district-level Chinese chestnut- and date-picking activities also attracted plenty of visitors, with a significant increase in the number of travelers to rural areas. (Jane Lai)