Vistors stand at a booth of shadow play in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia autonomous region on Feb 10. [Photo/nmgnews]

Hohhot proved to be a popular choice for tourists over the Spring Festival holiday period, with the city in North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region welcoming 1.21 million people during the week-long break, which ended on Feb 10, according to the local culture and tourism, radio, film and television authority.

The figure represents a rise of 13.21 percent from the previous year.

Hohhot also saw an increase of 17.97 percent in tourism revenues, with the figure hitting 755 million yuan ($111.97 million).

A series of events and activities, such as temple fairs, winter sports and shopping fairs were held across the city during the holiday, enticing people to stay longer in the area and to sample more of Hohhot's attractions.

Parks, tourist attractions and sport venues were among the most popular destinations.

The holiday period also saw increased numbers of people visiting rural areas, with many enjoying activities such as fruit-picking.

The Spring Festival, also known as Chinese Lunar New Year, is a time for family reunion and relaxation. This year it fell on Feb 5.