As the first Spring Festival following the inclusion of the Chinese New Year in UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage and the designation of New Year’s Eve as a legal holiday, China is pulling out all the stops to ensure market supply and promote consumption during the festive season.
At a recent press conference held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO), Vice Minister of Commerce Sheng Qiuping highlighted the success of the nation’s trade-in program. As of January 23, over 1 million units of home appliances have been purchased through the program in 2025, delivering tangible benefits to consumers across the country.
Service consumption is also on the rise, with the government implementing policies to further open up the service sector. More people are traveling to cities inspired by performances, games, and drama, reflecting the expanding and upgrading of China’s service consumption.
“New consumption drivers are gaining momentum,” Sheng Qiuping said. “We’re exploring new consumption potential, boosting digital consumption, and advancing the high-quality development of rural e-commerce. The consumption environment in China is steadily improving.”
In 2024, the number of inbound foreign visitors to Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Tianjin, and Chongqing almost doubled compared to the previous year, showcasing China’s growing appeal as an international consumer destination.
Li Gang, director general of the Department of Market Operation and Consumption Promotion of the Ministry of Commerce, assured that the market for essential goods is well-supplied, with prices remaining generally stable ahead of the festival, according to official data monitoring.
Winter sports are also enjoying sustained popularity. From November 1, 2024, to January 19, 2025, the number of skiing visits in China’s seven northern provinces and regions rose by 27.5 percent year-on-year, reported Yang Xuedong, director general of the Sports Economy Department of the General Administration of Sport of China.
To further meet public demand and stimulate consumer activity, China unveiled national winter sports consumption initiatives for 2024-2025, offering discounts on ski tickets and transportation.
With these measures, China aims to make this Spring Festival a joyful and prosperous time for all, boosting the economy and enhancing the holiday experience for millions.
Reference(s):
China guarantees market supply and boosts holiday consumption
cgtn.com
