China's National Day holiday characterized by new consumption trends

As China continues to adapt to changing consumer preferences, this year's seven-day National Day holiday which ended on Monday has served as a testament to the resilience and dynamism of its economy, highlighting the importance of embracing new trends in the ever-evolving marketplace.

According to data from the Ministry of Commerce, major retail and catering enterprises saw sales increase by 4.5 percent year on year during the holiday period, with approximately 2.52 million consumers purchasing over 3.74 million units of eight major appliance categories -- refrigerators, washing machines, televisions, air conditioners, computers, water heaters, kitchen stoves, and range hoods, generating sales of 17.84 billion yuan (2.53 billion U.S. dollars).

In addition, the online retail sales of physical goods rose by more than nine percent year on year, while the postal and express delivery sector handled over 6.28 billion parcels.

Service consumption, particularly in accommodation, dining, and leisure activities, also surged during the holiday, which was boosted by a range of new offerings. Spectacular drone shows lighted the night of cities to enhance the tourism experience while some tourist destinations resorted to the fusion of modern technology and traditional scenery to create unique consumer engagement opportunities during the holiday week.

Data from the State Taxation Administration showed that sales revenue for daily household appliances and audio-visual equipment doubled, while the cultural services market experienced an impressive 85.2 percent year-on-year increase, with digital cultural services nearly doubling, highlighting a new trend where consumers are increasingly prioritizing quality of life and spiritual needs.

Wang Wei, a researcher at the market research institute of the Development Research Center of the State Council, noted that this holiday was characterized by new consumption trends.

"This year's National Day holiday consumption highlighted a key theme of 'new,' as new brands and services sparked fresh demand. This trend is beneficial for boosting consumer confidence and promoting a stable and positive consumption market," she said.

China's National Day holiday characterized by new consumption trends

The promo of China Media Group (CMG)'s 2026 Spring Festival Gala has been showcased at overseas Chinese New Year celebrations and city landmarks, bringing a vibrant festive atmosphere to locals and homesick Chinese people.

The Spring Festival, or the Chinese New Year, is the most important traditional holiday for Chinese people. It falls on Feb 17 this year, ushering in the Year of the Horse, the seventh animal in the 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle.

The gala's live broadcast on the eve of the festival has become a cherished part of the celebrations in hundreds of millions of homes.

The promotional video was featured at the "Icebreakers" Chinese New Year Dinner 2026 held in London, UK. The captivating audio-visual presentation showcased the unique charm of the Chinese New Year and the vigorous spirit of the Chinese people to attendees from both Chinese and British communities.

The promo was also displayed at the China-Cyprus Spring Festival Celebration Gala 2026 in Nicosia, conveying the theme of harmony and reunion that is celebrated during the Chinese New Year.

During the event, participants enjoyed splendid cultural performances including traditional opera, martial arts, acrobatics, songs and dances, as well as robot shows, and celebrated the profound friendship between the people of China and Cyprus.

Meanwhile, the promotional video for this grand gala has been played on screens across Dar es Salaam, the largest city in Tanzania. It has been continuously displayed since Saturday at the Julius Nyerere International Airport, the central business district, and outdoor billboards lining the streets, drawing local citizens and overseas Chinese in Tanzania.

"I'm really excited to watch the promotional video of the CMG's Spring Festival Gala in Tanzania. This time, I can't return home due to work reasons, but as a Chinese, I will still watch the Spring Festival Gala even if I'm in Africa as it is a must-do Chinese New Year celebration. Although I miss home, I won't feel lonely being able to watch the Spring Festival Gala with Chinese people all over the world," said Li Zhichong, a Chinese living in Tanzania.

CMG Spring Festival Gala promo shown in various countries