China's combined National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday sparked a significant surge in travel and consumer activity, underscoring the resilience of domestic demand amid global economic uncertainties. The eight-day 'Golden Week' saw 2.4 billion cross-regional trips nationwide, with self-driving journeys dominating 80% of travel, according to Ministry of Transport data.
Retail and catering sectors reported a 3.3% year-on-year sales increase during the holiday's first four days, driven by demand for energy-efficient appliances and smart home devices. E-commerce platforms recorded double-digit growth in sales of first-tier energy-efficient refrigerators and AI-powered home systems, reflecting shifting consumer preferences toward sustainable and tech-integrated lifestyles.
The extended break—stretched to 12–16 days through strategic leave planning—fueled longer domestic trips. Travel platform Trip.com noted a 3% rise in long-distance bookings, while Tuniu data revealed nearly half of travelers opted for 5–6 day itineraries. Spending on premium tourism packages jumped over 20%, signaling a pivot toward quality-driven experiences.
Liu Xiangyan, a researcher at the China Tourism Academy, observed: 'The holiday's economic ripple effect highlights improving consumer confidence. Longer vacations enable deeper cultural exploration, benefiting regional economies and supporting China's dual-circulation strategy.'
Entertainment sectors also thrived, with National Day film season revenues surpassing 1.8 billion yuan ($253 million). Analysts attribute the growth to favorable weather, pent-up demand, and government initiatives to boost holiday-driven consumption.
