As the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival merge into an eight-day celebration, China’s cultural stage has lit up and consumption patterns reveal robust economic health. From the dawn flag-raising at Tiananmen Square to drone shows on Mount Emei, holiday spirit meets innovation, driving growth across regions.
At 4 a.m. on October 1, some 121,000 people gathered in Tiananmen Square, braving the early hours to witness the national flag ascend. “I’ve always looked forward to this moment,” says 27-year-old Tao Bufan. “It’s a heartfelt expression of my love for the country.” This blend of patriotism and modern spectacle sets the tone for the holiday’s vibrant mood.
Cultural events are fueling domestic tourism. In Tangshan, Hebei Province, free National Day concerts have drawn huge crowds, with local cultural executive Wen Chao noting the goal is “delivering high-quality cultural feasts for residents and tourists.” Across the Chinese mainland, more than 12,000 events are estimated to run during the holiday, from street performances to immersive art shows.
Transportation networks are key to this surge. With cross-regional passenger trips hitting a record 1.25 billion in the first half of the holiday, highways, railways, waterways, and aviation all saw year-on-year growth. This hyper-connectivity underscores the mainland’s capacity to move people efficiently, supporting both tourism and local economies.
By blending tradition, technology, and mobility, this holiday period offers a snapshot of China’s resilience and growth potential. As young citizens, entrepreneurs, and travelers watch these trends unfold, the season offers fresh insights into consumption trends shaping the world’s second-largest economy.
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China's holiday consumption showcases economic vitality, innovation
cgtn.com
