BEIJING, Oct. 2  -- Beijing received more than 540,000 tourists in 26 major scenic areas on Wednesday, also the 65th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, up 33 percent year on year, local authorities announced on Thursday.

Free opening of 370 parks on National Day, including the renowned Temple of Heaven and the Summer Palace, contributed to the remarkable increase, according to the municipal government's holiday affairs office.

The Beijing Zoo, which was also free for tourists on Wednesday, was the top tourist destination with 55,000 tourists, up 173 percent than the previous year, according to the holiday.

The week-long National Day holiday began on Wednesday.