As 2026 begins, China's consumer market has demonstrated remarkable vitality during the New Year holiday period, with preliminary data indicating a robust release of domestic demand. Researchers Liu Qiang from Zhejiang University's Academy of Financial Research and Yan Youliang from Zhejiang Gongshang University highlight consumption's growing role as both driver and stabilizer of economic growth.
The holiday period saw significant increases in travel and related spending, creating a multi-layered consumption chain spanning transportation, hospitality, and cultural entertainment. This surge in economic activity provides critical insights into market confidence and the domestic market's capacity to stabilize growth amid global uncertainties.
Key Developments:
Record holiday travel volumes driving service sector growth
Emerging consumption patterns in cultural experiences
Strengthened consumer confidence indicators
Experts emphasize that this strong start positions China's economy favorably for sustained growth throughout 2026, with domestic demand expected to remain central to development strategies.
Note: The views expressed belong to the authors and do not necessarily reflect CGTN's editorial stance.
