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Stamp collecting new trend for shoppers during China's Mid-Autumn Festival holiday

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Stamp collecting new trend for shoppers during China's Mid-Autumn Festival holiday

2024-09-16 22:34 Last Updated At:09-17 06:17

Stamp collecting has emerged as a captivating trend among China's younger generation, which could boost tourist spending during the three-day Mid-Autumn Festival holiday which started on Sunday.

According to data from Fliggy, an online travel platform, hotel bookings have skyrocketed by 50 percent compared to the same period in 2019 while car rental reservations have more than doubled during this Mid-Autumn Festival holiday.

The preference for luxury accommodation is evident, with nearly 60 percent of hotel bookings concentrated on five-star establishments and boutique homestays. This suggests that travelers are willing to invest more in their Mid-Autumn Festival experiences.

Beyond traditional tourist attractions, Gen Z and millennials are increasingly drawn to unique activities like moon-watching, lantern festivals, nighttime boat cruises, and stamp collecting.

In Shanghai, the nation's economic hub, brick-and-mortar stores are employing innovative strategies to attract customers during the holiday. One such tactic involves offering a complimentary stamp with every purchase, adding an element of collectible excitement to the shopping experience.

"I'm willing to buy something I like to get a stamp," said a tourist.

The stamps are usually found in places of historic significance, and it's become a secret weapon to boost customer flow.

A pop-up coffee and souvenir shop in downtown Shanghai, which opened just a week ago, features products related to archaeological excavations from the world-renowned Sanxingdui Ruins, one of China's most important archaeological discoveries in the 20th century. It's also offering some specially designed stamps, with the stamp counter often very busy.

"The store received nearly 1,000 people on the first day it opened. That number will double during the Mid-Autumn Festival holiday," said Liu Xiaoji, manager of the shop.

For the price of a coffee, from around 28 yuan (about 4 U.S. dollars), the customer will also get a special stamp.

"Some people come for our limited-edition stamps. And when they collect the stamps, they also look around for other interesting stuff," Liu said.

The stamps hold special meanings for tourists who want to record their travel experiences in unique ways.

"I like to get a stamp, and then print the photo I take on site, and affix it with the stamp. And I will write my feelings about the tour," said a tourist.

For shop owners, it's a sound business decision.

"We did the stamp design ourselves. And the only cost is a few dozen yuan for an oil seal. It's worth it," said Liu.

And for museum operators, who've been making every effort to boost their ticket sales, it's also a smart choice.

Some museums have adapted it to allow automatic stamp collection. People who want to get a stamp at the museums are required to buy a handbook or "passport".

"We sold more than 7,700 'passports' by August of this year. People can get four stamps at our museum and at different exhibition areas on seal collection machines," said Shen Ying, a staff member of the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum.

On the Instagram-like content-sharing platform Xiaohongshu, stamp collection in Shanghai has had more than 610,000 mentions.

The Mid-Autumn Festival, celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth month on the Chinese lunar calendar, is a cherished occasion for family reunions. It falls on Sept. 17 this year.

Stamp collecting new trend for shoppers during China's Mid-Autumn Festival holiday

Stamp collecting new trend for shoppers during China's Mid-Autumn Festival holiday

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CIIE hosts over 100 side events to strengthen collaboration

2024-11-08 15:27 Last Updated At:16:07

The 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE), entering its fourth day on Friday, has held 102 side events including business matchmaking sessions, investment promotion activities, and numerous forums geared toward strengthening international collaboration and economic engagement.

Since the expo's opening, procurement and investment signings have been taking the center stage, with Chinese and international participants eagerly forging new partnerships. Among the highlights, China's central state-owned enterprises (SOEs) trade delegation, National Health Commission delegation, and local trade delegations have organized 86 major signing events, landing nearly 600 cooperation agreements.

The central SOEs have achieved a record-high total intended transaction amount at the CIIE, with agreements encompassing a diverse range of sectors, including advanced technology, artificial intelligence, high-end components, and natural gas.

In addition to procurement and trade activities, this year's CIIE has convened the main Hongqiao International Economic Forum, themed "High-Standard Opening up for Universally Beneficial and Inclusive Economic Globalization," as well as various sub-forums, roundtable discussions, meetings with foreign enterprises, and "Invest in China" promotion events

The CIIE is also facilitating connections between visiting business representatives and exhibitors through a 'group tour' service. Over 4,800 attendees have engaged with approximately 1,900 exhibitors via more than 280 organized group tours.

Running from November 5 to 10, the 7th CIIE has attracted 3,496 exhibitors from 129 countries and regions.

CIIE hosts over 100 side events to strengthen collaboration

CIIE hosts over 100 side events to strengthen collaboration

CIIE hosts over 100 side events to strengthen collaboration

CIIE hosts over 100 side events to strengthen collaboration

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