The just-concluded May Day holiday turned Taixing, a county-level city in Taizhou, Jiangsu province, into a buzzing hotspot of consumption and tourism, proving that this small city packs a surprisingly big punch.
Shopping districts and cultural sites across Taixing rolled out a series of themed events, drawing massive crowds. At the Taixing Sports Center, a second screen for the Jiangsu City Football League match between Taizhou and Yangzhou attracted 25,000 visitors in just three days, with food market sales hitting 2.63 million yuan ($386,717) — a 280 percent surge over normal daily levels.
Huangqiao Ancient Town hosted immersive experiences alongside a food carnival and kids' attractions, attracting roughly 84,000 visitors. Meanwhile, Qixiang village carved out a unique rural tourism model blending daytime farm experiences with nighttime performances, welcoming over 20,000 tourists from surrounding cities.

Huangqiao Ancient Town launches a tour activity, immersing visitors in its rich cultural charm. [Photo/WeChat account: txzhtx]

A night view of Qixiang village. [Photo/WeChat account: txzhtx]
From sports fan zones to ancient town adventures and countryside getaways, Taixing's diverse offerings created a powerful multiplier effect. The city's ability to blend culture, cuisine, sports, and rural charm into one holiday package showcases its growing appeal as a destination worth visiting.