An estimated 195 million domestic tourists traveled throughout China during the May Day holiday from May 1 to 4, up by 13.7 percent over the same period last year, according to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Tourism revenue reached 11.8 billion yuan (1.8 billion U.S. dollars) during the holiday, marking a 16.6 percent increase year-on-year.

Family trips, which stimulated consumption of cultural activities, leisure and dining, were the driving force behind the jump. Tourists average 2.5 days out of town and spent between 500 and 1,000 yuan on activities.

The Beijing International Horticultural Exhibition served as one of the most popular attractions for visitors in the capital city and welcomed its first tourist peak by serving more than 320,000 tourists during the four-day holiday, the organizer said Saturday.

Lei Lei, an official with the organizing committee, said the Chinese Pavilion, International Pavilion, Life Experience Pavilion, Botany Pavilion and Guirui Theater were among the most popular destinations, receiving more than 734,000 visitors during the holiday.