Chinese cities are increasing consumer product supplies, launching trade-in programs and hosting themed tourism events to take full commercial advantage of the five-day May Day Holiday, which started on Thursday.
The latest survey from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs shows that grain and oil reserves are ample, and the production capacity for essential food products is sufficient to cope with holiday demand. Meat, eggs, dairy, fruits, and seafood are all in plentiful supply.
During the May Day holiday, the demand and supply for food essentials is expected to be strong, and prices are expected to remain stable.
The Ministry of Commerce has instructed local authorities to closely monitor the market and ensure the supply of daily necessities during the holiday.
Home appliance stores in shopping malls in Yanxcheng, in east China's Jiangsu Province, have already been busy with shoppers ahead of the holiday. Major shopping districts in the city have ensured ample supply of popular trade-in products, and some businesses have introduced additional discounts for purchases over a certain amount.
The city has also distributed 2 million yuan (around 275,000 U.S. dollars) in subsidy vouchers for automobile purchases, with a particular focus on new energy vehicles.
Shanghai has also expanded support for auto trade-ins, extending subsidies to out-of-town licensed vehicles, triggering a surge in visitors at many car dealerships.
"My car is registered outside Shanghai, so I cannot do a trade-in under previous policies. But now that the new policy has been introduced, I'm thinking about replacing it with a new energy vehicle for my family," said a car shopper named Wang.
A total of 24 trade-in events are set to be launched in northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region during the May Day holiday, with no less than 40 million yuan (around 5.5 million U.S. dollars) earmarked for subsidies.
In Zunyi, in southwest China's Guizhou Province, consumers can enjoy a 5 percent direct discount on home appliance purchases, along with extended warranty services.
Ahead of the holiday, south China's Guangxi launched a holiday event which includes discount vouchers and the release of a Wechat mini-program showing visitors and residents where to find discounted goods in 100 different commercial areas.
In southwest China's Chongqing, dragon boat races are being staged on rivers whose banks are illuminated by glowing lights, with different intangible cultural performances and street stalls drawing in crowds of visitors.
In Beijing, many rooftops and terraces in key commercial districts and along the city's central axis have been transformed into open-air venues, welcoming visitors to enjoy food, drinks, and stunning views. Exclusive discounts have also been introduced as part of a campaign which will run through September.
China ramps up efforts to boost consumer spending during May Day Holiday
