Millions of people spend "Golden Week" visiting tourist hot spots

Millions of people continue to swarm to hot scenic spots around the country while others turn to quieter ways of spending the "Golden Week".

More than 3-million people have visited over 100 "national level" tourist destinations during the first three days of the holiday. This year, more tourists are considered as "independent" -- that is: not on a packaged tour -- when compared to the same period last year. And an increasing number of people have been using their own method of transport -- driving in their own private cars.

In an attempt to win hearts back, travel agencies have begun to slash the prices of many tour packages. These can now cost as much as 30 percent less than before the start of the holidays. And major travel agencies are offering generous discounts for trips to top tourist attractions. There are good offers for tours abroad as well with price-cuts of up to 1000 yuan for trips to Japan and South Korea.

For many city dwellers, a quiet village atmosphere is much more attractive than a crowded scenic spot and they travel to the countryside to get a feeling of rural life.

For others, especially children, science and technology offer never-ending excitement and exhibitions and lectures at science museums and libraries provide the opportunity to mix education and recreation.