Stocking up on Chinese New Year goods, visiting loved ones, indulging in reunion feasts, and attending vibrant temple fairs—China's Spring Festival, the most cherished traditional celebration, is not only a time for family reunions but has also become a major driver of consumption.
This year, the Chinese government has designated New Year's Eve as a statutory holiday, extending the Spring Festival holiday to eight days. This extension creates more opportunities for businesses to thrive and for people to enjoy the festivities.
Extended Holiday Fuels Tourism Boom
The eight-day holiday has sparked enthusiasm for tourism among people across the Chinese mainland. According to the Ministry of Transport, this year's Spring Festival travel rush is expected to set new records in total trips. Over the 40-day period, cross-regional travel is projected to reach 9 billion trips.
During this Spring Festival, many in China are opting for both family reunions and travel. \"The longer holiday gives me the flexibility to both visit family and take a trip,\" said Fang Ying from Lanzhou City, Gansu Province, who plans to reunite with her family before heading to Japan for skiing.
As people take advantage of the extended break, the tourism industry is experiencing a significant boost. Local businesses, from hotels to restaurants, are preparing to accommodate the influx of travelers eager to explore and celebrate.
The extended holiday not only strengthens family bonds but also stimulates economic growth, highlighting the importance of traditional festivals in driving consumption and enhancing the vitality of the economy.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
