Despite concerns about China’s economic performance, the recent Mid-Autumn Festival holiday showcased the country’s remarkable economic resilience and vitality. Over the three-day holiday, China experienced a significant surge in travel and consumer spending, reflecting a boost in consumer confidence and market activity.
Travel volume soared during the holiday period, with single-day cross-regional movements averaging approximately 205 million, marking an impressive 28.2 percent increase from the same period in 2023, according to China’s Ministry of Transport. On the first day alone, transportation sectors across China handled about 215.92 million passenger trips, a 37.9 percent year-on-year rise.
Beyond travel, sectors such as catering, food, and entertainment witnessed robust growth. Data from the e-commerce platform Douyin indicated an 88 percent week-on-week increase in searches for “family reunion meals” from September 7 to 13. Similarly, service platform Meituan reported a staggering 433 percent increase in searches for “Mid-Autumn restaurants.”
Innovative consumer promotion activities further stimulated market consumption. In a creative blend of tradition and modern marketing, some restaurants hired individuals to cosplay Chang’e, the goddess of the Moon in Chinese mythology, delivering mooncakes to guests. This cross-industry collaboration not only celebrated Chinese cultural heritage but also fueled a strong recovery in the holiday economy.
The Mid-Autumn Festival’s positive economic indicators suggest that China’s domestic market remains robust, with consumers eager to engage in travel and leisure activities. The holiday’s success underscores the country’s capacity to drive economic growth through internal demand and cultural celebration.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
