International visitors in China experienced a smoother, more convenient travel environment during the May Day holiday, thanks to the seamless integration of mobile payment systems for overseas travelers, allowing them to fully enjoy shopping, dining, and sightseeing.
In the West Lake scenic area in Hangzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, foreign travelers said they were particularly impressed by how easy it was to use mobile payment apps for getting around.
"Yes, it's so easy to get the ticket. I just scan the QR code. I can also translate in the app. I can use my international card so I can pay easy. There is no problem. I don't need the cash here," said Danna, an exchange student from Spain.
She said that before coming to China, she was worried about managing various aspects of daily life, like food, clothing, transportation, and accommodation.
However, once she arrived, she quickly discovered that shopping, traveling, commuting, and lodging could all be easily managed with just a smartphone.
A mother-daughter duo visiting the scenic area from Italy shared how mobile payment systems have made their travel experience much easier and more enjoyable.
"It's very convenient traveling in China, also because we can scan QR codes and we can get like on the metro, the bus. I really like it," said the daughter.
"There is a beautiful scenery, and people are always nice, good and helpful, right? You just basically need your phone to do most things, like pay for transport, order drinks, food," said an American student studying in China, who had just ordered a tea for himself using his phone.
The increase in the number of foreign tourists has also contributed to the growing popularity of domestic tourism in Zhejiang.
The province welcomed 31.14 million tourists during this year’s May Day holiday, marking a 13.7 percent increase compared to the same period last year.
"During the Labor Day holiday, we sold nearly 500 cups to international tourists, and our Chinese tea beverages are very popular among them. In the past, most foreign visitors paid in cash, but now they can complete the entire ordering and payment process with just a smartphone," said a beverage shop owner at the scenic spot.
Foreign tourists enjoy smoother travel in China with seamless mobile payments
Foreign tourists enjoy smoother travel in China with seamless mobile payments
During the New Year holiday running from Jan 1 to 3, major commercial districts across China all saw a surge in both consumer traffic and sales in consumption, according to the Ministry of Commerce.
The latest big data released by the Ministry of Commerce indicate that the average daily customer traffic at 78 key pedestrian streets and commercial districts nationwide rose by 5.9 percent compared with the New Year holiday season in 2025, while total sales increased by 4.9 percent.
In Wuhan City, central China's Hubei Province, the city's first park-style super commercial complex was bustling with visitors during the three-day holiday season.
On New Year's Day alone, the customer traffic at the complex exceeded 120,000 visits.
The newly opened business district features a wide range of immersive experiencing activities, including live band performances and interactive activities with small animals, while emphasizing friendly services.
These include facilities designed for families with infants, pet-friendly spaces, and dedicated cycling-friendly areas inside shops where cyclists can inflate tires and lubricate their bicycles.
In Beijing's Wukesong commercial district, a combination of trendy cross-industry collaboration and technology-driven innovation created fresh experiences for consumers during the holiday.
New Year countdown concerts and robot performances inside shopping malls added excitement for consumers.
Meanwhile, the Chunxi Road commercial district, Chengdu City of southwest China's Sichuan Province, panda-themed events attracted large crowds of shoppers.
Both residents and tourists flocked to the commercial district to take photos and purchase Sichuan-style specialty gifts.
"During the New Year holiday at our Chunxi Road store, foot traffic reached about one to two times the usual level. Around 1,500 visitors came to our store every day, and our turnover increased by about 60 percent. The other two stores we operate in the Chunxi Road commercial district also saw remarkble growth in both customer traffic and sales," said Ye Mingqian, manager of the Chunxi Road store of Panda Pastry Co.
In Shenzhen City, south China's Guangdong Province, the Pink Street commercial complex officially opened during the New Year holiday.
The new street brings together nearly 40 first stores and flagship stores, featuring intangible cultural heritage experiencing activities, creative dining, and avant-garde lifestyle brands.
"Our brand offers very distinctive cultural and creative products from Peru. By opening our store here in the Shenzhen Bay area, we hope to bring local residents more products that are fresh and more interesting," said a store owner named Ma Yuxia.
Key business districts see growth in customer traffic, sales during New Year holiday
