春节国内旅游"南北两头热"

A week-long break over the Lunar New Year is giving many people around the country the time and chance to take their minds of work and enjoy the sights. Whether it's up north or down south, tourism is enjoying brisk business.

Travel hotspots boasting ice and snow are proving popular in northern China. In Changchun city in Jilin province, the frosty surfaces have even made it possible for tourists to engage in bowling outdoors.

Tourist, said, "It's very amusing and exciting. I've only bowled indoors before, and would never have thought I could do the same in the snow!"

Sleds pulled by huskies and snowboarding are also some of the activities available here. The first three days of the holiday saw tourist numbers at major scenic sights in Heilongjiang and Jilin provinces going up more than 4 thousand every day, while in some hotels, more than 80 percent of the rooms have been booked out.

And for those who prefer something more tropical, they can head south. Popular destinations like Sanya and Xiamen have received more than 10-thousand travellers who are spending their holiday driving through scenic parts of the country. Reservations in hotels have hit close to 80 percent, a record high in recent years.

Meanwhile, tours to Taiwan Island are also popular. According to one Taiwan official, more than 40 thousand mainlanders are due to visit the island during the Spring Festival, bringing in more than 2 billion New Taiwan Dollars. While many people from Taiwan Island will also be visiting the mainland over the holiday.

Hu Wuji, Taiwan Tourist, said, "Shandong people are hospitable, and it also has lots of scenic sights. After I leave Mengshan Mountain, I'll go to Qingdao and Jinan."

Authorities say most Chinese people are opting for medium-distance travel during this holiday, with many choosing to drive their own cars and get around. Wednesday and Thursday are likely to see a tourism peak around the country.