Changsha county's New Year got off to a good start with record numbers of visitors spending more than ever during the three-day holiday period, according to the county's tourism bureau.

A total of 316,000 people visited tourist attractions in the Hunan province county during the holiday, spending 158 million yuan ($22.7 million), up 15.2 percent and 16.1 percent, respectively year-on-year.

The county's focus on promoting experience activities to grow rural tourism and self-driving tourism appears to have paid dividends.

Bancang Campsite in Kaihui town enjoyed a successful holiday thanks to organizing creative events such as prayer activities for the New Year. The campsite welcomed more than 15,000 visitors, making more than 200,000 yuan during the holiday.

Maiji Island in Xunlong River Eco Town offered a place for families to play games and have fun together. The park received nearly 30,000 visitors and earned more than 10,000 yuan.

Parents and children play games at Maiji Island in Xunlong River Eco Town, Changsha county. [Photo/csxrmt.com]