When history steps out of static displays and comes alive through interactive experiences, and when ancient artifacts engage visitors through technology and art, the heartland of China is quietly fueling travel dreams for tens of thousands. During the 2026 May Day holiday, Henan Province delivered impressive cultural tourism results: over just five days, the province welcomed 66.117 million domestic visitors, a 2.5% increase compared to the same period last year. These figures not only highlight the cultural appeal of the region but also reflect travelers’ growing preference for Henan as a destination. Popular attractions such as the Henan Museum and Longmen Grottoes remained highly sought after. According to ride-hailing data from the holiday, demand for historical experiences grew rapidly—rides to museums increased by 70% compared to ordinary days, while trips to grotto temples rose by 62% year-on-year. Visitors showed willingness to travel long distances to encounter cultural relics in person. The Henan Museum and Longmen Grottoes ranked among the top ten nationwide in terms of year-on-year growth in ride-hailing orders.

While some travelers ventured farther, others opted for slower-paced trips. Data shows that during the holiday, the average distance between users' ride-hailing locations and their home cities reached 612 kilometers. Compared to last year, people traveled even farther—rides covering 2,000 to 3,000 kilometers increased by 21%, and those beyond 3,000 kilometers rose by 34%. Live events such as concerts and sports matches also motivated people to take longer rides. Concert-related ride-hailing orders increased by 88% compared to ordinary days, with events featuring Zhou Huajian, Mayday, Strawberry Music Festival, and others seeing particularly high demand. Ride-hailing around sports venues surged by an average of 185%, with orders near stadiums in Jiangxi, Hubei, and other provinces exceeding 200% growth. Cities hosting major events also saw significant increases in charging and refueling demand—Qinhuangdao, Chaozhou, Wanning, Yangzhou, and Changzhou recorded rises of 152%, 60%, 42%, 40%, and 21%, respectively. Overall, refueling demand increased by 46%, charging demand grew by 40% compared to last year, and car rental orders rose by 51%, with 65% of rentals being out-of-town. The average rental period extended from three to six days, and rentals lasting over seven days doubled compared to the previous year.

The holiday has evolved into a more open window for cultural exchange, fueled by both inbound and outbound travel. Ride-hailing data indicates that orders from mainland tourists in Hong Kong increased by over 50% compared to ordinary days. Outbound travel also gained momentum, with Seoul, Jeju, Busan, Singapore, and Bangkok emerging as popular destinations for Chinese travelers. Meanwhile, ride-hailing orders from international visitors grew by 67% year-on-year. Travelers from Russia, South Korea, the United States, Singapore, and Malaysia were the most frequent users. Popular destinations included the Mutianyu Great Wall, the Bund, and the Canton Tower, reflecting China’s growing appeal in terms of transportation convenience, safety, and cultural richness.

Transportation hubs played a key role in facilitating holiday mobility. Ride-hailing orders at airports and train stations increased by 35% compared to ordinary days. To improve passenger experience, ride-hailing services enhanced coordination across 319 airports and train stations in 165 cities, deploying over 2,000 staff to guide passengers and optimize pick-up points. As a result, waiting times decreased significantly at nearly 100 major hubs—for example, average wait times at Dali Station fell by five minutes, while passenger flow efficiency at Nanchang East Station improved by 27%.

Each travel statistic tells a story of modern life. Thanks to richer cultural offerings, flexible holiday schedules, and efficient transportation networks, this year’s May Day holiday offered more diverse experiences and destinations. Wherever people went, familiar ride-hailing services were there to accompany them through every memorable moment.