The Trip.com Group Research Institute released the "2026 May Day Holiday Travel Summary Report" on May 5, highlighting Shanxi province as a popular destination due to its rich historical and cultural heritage.

Xiaoxitian is located in Xixian county, Linfen. [Photo provided to goshanxi.com.cn]

According to the report, Linfen's Xiaoxitian and Datong's Yungang Grottoes both secured spots on the "Top 10 Domestic Historical and Cultural Attractions" list for this annual holiday, ranking 7th and 8th, respectively.

Xiaoxitian, perched atop Fenghuang Mountain in Xixian county, is renowned for its Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) hanging sculptures. Meanwhile, the Yungang Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage site, impress with their grand scale and exquisite artistry, featuring 45 major caves and over 59,000 statues.

The Yungang Grottoes impress with their grand scale and exquisite artistry. [Photo provided to goshanxi.com.cn]

The rising popularity of cultural landmarks in China underscores the trend of "cultural tours" becoming the highlight of May Day holiday travel experiences. This year, the number of "cultural tour" participants nationwide increased by 52.3 percent compared to the previous year. 

Shanxi's unique cultural and tourism resources, exemplified by grotto art and ancient architecture, align perfectly with the evolving preferences of travelers, serving as a key driver in boosting the cultural tourism market.