A rebound in China's core consumer price index (CPI) and positive changes in the producer price index (PPI) for March indicate an improving trend in the country's consumer market, said an expert.
According to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics on Thursday, the core CPI, which excludes food and energy, reversed its year-on-year decline in February, rising by 0.5 percent in March.
Service prices also shifted from a year-on-year decline in February to a 0.3-percent increase, while the prices of industrial consumer goods, excluding energy, rose by 0.5 percent compared with last year, accelerating from the previous month.
"In terms of food, prices of pork and fruits rose slightly year on year. Non-food items such as clothing, household products and services, education and entertainment, and healthcare also saw price increases to varying extents. Under the influence of policies aimed at boosting consumption, sales of key products such as automobiles and home appliances have been relatively strong, with the price declines narrowing compared with last year," said He Xiaoying, deputy director of the analysis and prediction division at the price monitoring center of the National Development and Reform Commission, China's top economic planner.
Meanwhile, with the rapid development of high-tech industries in China and the implementation of large-scale consumer goods trade-in and equipment renewal policies, the supply-demand structure in some industries has improved, leading to positive price changes.
"In certain key industries, producer prices have risen. For instance, prices for the mining, smelting and calendering of nonferrous metals such as copper and aluminum increased significantly year on year, while prices for the manufacturing of cultural and entertainment goods also rose slightly," said He.
Rebounding core inflation, producer prices in key sectors signal upturn in domestic market: analyst
Shenzhen in south China's Guangdong Province saw a soaring number of visitors from abroad on Thursday, the first day of 2026 and also the opening day of China's three-day New Year holiday, as festive celebrations unfolded across the city.
Major border checkpoints in the city recorded peak inbound passenger flows, with large numbers of travelers from Hong Kong, Macao and overseas entering the city to experience its vibrant holiday vibes.
"I'm so happy 'cause this is the first day of 2026, and I'm bringing my friends to visit Shenzhen," said a visitor from Hong Kong.
International tourists also shared their excitement.
"It's a very modern city and it's interesting to see such a New Year Eve in such a city," said an overseas visitor.
The inbound passenger flow at Luohu Port peaked from 8:00 to 20:00 on Thursday, said an officer there, adding the average daily passenger flow during the New Year break is expected to reach about 240,000.
At the West Kowloon Station port, eye-catching red decorations themed around the upcoming 2026 Spring Festival which will mark the beginning of the Year of the Horse added to the festive mood.
As a key transportation hub of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link, the port also saw heavy two-way passenger traffic. Daily cross-border passenger flow there is expected to average around 100,000 during the holiday.
An Australian tourist said he was looking forward to his trip to south China.
"I am from Melbourne, Australia and I'm coming to Guangzhou and Shenzhen in China. I'm excited to see all the tall buildings, especially all the ones that light up and experience a new culture in China." said a tourist.
Outside the ports, celebrations were in full swing as the city prepared for rising visitor numbers.
A large-scale parade featuring more than 30 themed formations kicked off in the morning along the 1.6-kilometer Festival Avenue in Shenzhen's Futian District.
The event drew huge crowds with inflatable cartoon characters, lively drum performances, and traditional Yingge Dance -- a form of folk dance popular in south China's Guangdong Province that merges opera, dance, and martial arts.
Nearby commercial zones also rolled out special consumption coupons, allowing visitors to enjoy a one-stop experience combining festive celebrations and shopping.
"The atmosphere is really nice. We feel very welcomed here. It's a very, very international vibe", said an international visitor.
China continues to grow in popularity as a destination for overseas travelers. Data from online tourism platforms show that inbound flight bookings to China rose 20 percent year on year on the first day of the holiday, with Shenzhen ranking fifth among the country's most popular inbound travel destinations.
"On the first day of holiday, international flight ticket purchases to Shenzhen has increased by 52.5 percent while the international flight bookings to the city has grown by 33 percent," said Shi Ke, a researcher from big data research institute of Qunar, an online travel service provider.
Shenzhen embraces influx of visitors on first day of 2026
