Restaurant revenues in China reached 3.94 trillion yuan (about 550 billion U.S. dollars) in the first three quarters of 2024, showing a 6.2 percent growth, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.
Data indicates that almost 1.32 million restaurants were registered across China in the first half of 2024, with over 4,800 new registrations in Beijing alone.
In a newly opened mall called Super Hops-On in Beijing's Changping District, 30 percent of its existing stores are dedicated to food services.
"About 20 percent of our restaurants are regional firsts, with some being national or Beijing firsts," said marketing director Li Yihui.
Except for new fancy restaurants occurring in Beijing, smaller and everyday dining establishments are also becoming more popular.
A local "hulatang" (spicy soup) restaurant, which can yield an average daily revenue exceeding 20,000 yuan, adjusted its flavors to better meet Beijing customer expectations.
"We've reduced the spice level slightly to cater to local tastes and extended operating hours to match people's work schedules," said Jiao Wen, manager at Fangzhongshan Hulatang.
To meet diverse dining preferences, many restaurants have also launched fast-turnover outlets near office spaces and delivery-only kitchens.
China's catering sector revenue reaches 3.94 trln yuan in first 3 quarters
Authorities on the Chinese mainland have put forward a package of 10 policies and measures to boost exchanges and cooperation across the Taiwan Strait.
The Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee unveiled the package on Sunday, saying it aims to advance the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and enhance the kinship and well-being of compatriots on both sides of the Strait.
The announcement came as a delegation from the Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) party, led by its chairwoman Cheng Li-wun, is wrapping up a mainland visit from Tuesday to Sunday.
Efforts will be made to explore the establishment of a regular communication mechanism between the CPC and the KMT, and an institutionalized platform will be set up to promote two-way exchanges between young people from the two sides of the Taiwan Strait, the office said in a statement.
Steps will be taken to push the coastal areas of Fujian Province -- the mainland province closest to Taiwan -- to share water, electricity, and gas supplies with Kinmen and Matsu, and promote the construction of sea-crossing bridges linking the two areas, when conditions permit.
The mainland will fast-track the full resumption of regular direct flights across the Taiwan Strait, including flights to and from mainland cities of Urumqi, Xi'an, Harbin, Kunming and Lanzhou.
Kinmen will be supported to use the new airport built in its adjacent city of Xiamen in Fujian Province.
A communication mechanism will be set up on the common political foundation of adhering to the 1992 Consensus and opposing "Taiwan independence" to facilitate the entry of Taiwan's agricultural and fishery products that meet the quarantine standards into the mainland.
The mainland will explore building wharves and berths in regions where conditions permit for distant-water fishing vessels from the Taiwan region, and mull providing convenience for the sale of their fish catch on the mainland, according to the statement.
It will also facilitate registration procedures for qualified Taiwan food manufacturers and the entry of their food products into the mainland market.
According to the statement, the mainland will explore the establishment of more trading markets for small-ticket items with Taiwan, and support micro, small and medium-sized enterprises from Taiwan to expand business on the mainland.
The statement noted that qualified TV shows, documentaries and animations from Taiwan can be aired on the mainland, adding that people from Taiwan can participate in micro drama production on the mainland in various forms.
The mainland will also promote the resumption of individual tours for Shanghai and Fujian residents to Taiwan, the statement said.
Mainland unveils package of policies, measures to boost ties with Taiwan
