China's Spring Festival holiday, celebrated from February 10 to 17 this year, has set unprecedented benchmarks in domestic travel and consumer activity, underscoring the resilience of Asia's largest economy. Official data reveals over 650 million domestic trips were made during the holiday period, a 12% increase compared to 2025, with total spending exceeding 680 billion yuan ($95 billion USD).
The extended holiday period facilitated family reunions and revitalized cultural tourism, particularly in historic sites along the Yangtze River Delta. Analysts note the surge reflects growing consumer confidence amid stabilizing economic policies and improved employment rates across the Chinese mainland.
Cross-strait travel also saw notable growth, with direct flights between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan region increasing by 18% compared to last year. Over 320,000 residents of Taiwan visited family members on the mainland during the holiday, according to immigration authorities.
Digital integration played a pivotal role in this year's celebrations, with mobile payment platforms reporting a 35% year-on-year increase in red envelope transactions. Traditional temple fairs in Beijing and Shanghai incorporated augmented reality experiences, attracting younger demographics while preserving cultural heritage.
As the Lunar New Year celebrations conclude, attention turns to sustained economic momentum. "The festival's performance sets a positive tone for first-quarter growth," noted Hong Kong-based economist Dr. Li Wei. "Key sectors like transportation, retail, and hospitality are likely to maintain this trajectory through the spring season."
