China's consumer market is buzzing with activity as the first Chinese New Year, or the Spring Festival, following its official recognition by the United Nations Scientific, Educational and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as an intangible cultural heritage, draws near.
The Spring Festival is the most important traditional holiday for Chinese people, symbolizing reunion, joy, and new beginnings. The 2025 Chinese New Year will fall on Wednesday, marking the beginning of the Year of the Snake.
According to the Ministry of Commerce, it has collaborated with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Ministry of Sports, and some other departments in launching a wealth of consumer events to create a vibrant holiday atmosphere.
In Shanghai, major efforts are underway to celebrate the Spring Festival with over 100 special holiday events.
The city is staging a shopping spree with 10 key commercial districts, including Nanjing Road, Huaihai Road and Yuyuan, offering consumers discounts and promotions.
There are also foreign visitors celebrating the Spring Festival in Shanghai.
"I am from Germany. The architecture is really cool. There's a lot of food downstairs, a lot of dumplings. It's really delicious," said a German visitor.
"We have traveled to China first time. It's very beautiful, wonderful," said a Russian visitor.
As the Chinese New Year draws nearer, a haul of New Year goods markets are available across the country for holiday shopping.
In Nanping City, east China's Fujian Province, local markets have attracted large crowds, with residents tasting delicacies and making purchases.
In Tongzi County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, local residents also have been enjoying holiday shopping.
"The tradition of eating sugarcane during the New Year has a great meaning - sweetness, happiness and good fortune. That's why we always buy some special goods including sugarcane for the Chinese New Year," said Cai Yi, a local resident.
China's consumer market heats up ahead of Chinese New Year
