China's electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure has maintained rapid growth this year, with the total number of facilities reaching 18.06 million units by the end of September, up 54.5 percent from a year earlier, official data showed Monday.
Public EV charging facilities stood at about 4.48 million units, an increase of 40 percent year on year, according to the National Energy Administration.
Private charging facilities expanded at an even faster pace, jumping 60 percent to nearly 13.59 million units, the administration said.
The robust growth in charging infrastructure is in line with the steady expansion of China's new energy vehicle (NEV) market. From January to September, both production and sales of NEVs posted double-digit increases.
During the period, NEV production surged 35.2 percent year on year to about 11.24 million units, while sales jumped 34.9 percent to nearly 11.23 million units.
NEV sales accounted for 46.1 percent of the total sales of new vehicles during the period, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers.
By the end of 2027, China aims to establish a nationwide network of 28 million charging facilities, with public charging capacity surpassing 300 million kilowatts -- sufficient to meet the demand of more than 80 million EVs, as outlined in a government plan on Oct 15.
China's EV charging infrastructure expands 54.5 pct in single year: data
The Xinghuafu historical and cultural zone, the core area of Putian in Fujian Province, is attracting huge turnouts of travelers during the Spring Festival holiday season with cultural immersion activities.
The Spring Festival, also known as the Chinese New Year, falls on February 17 this year. In celebration of the grand festival, Xinghuafu, with its freshly renovated buildings adorned with traditional oil-paper lanterns and holiday decorations, has staged a variety of evening performances for visitors since February 4. Holiday travelers here can also enjoy an interactive experience with performers dressed up as ancient characters across the cultural zone -- a cultural immersion activity Xinghuafu has introduced this year to enrich the traveling experience. Visitors can play games with performers and win ancient style paper bills which can be redeemed for discounts at local shops.
The cultural zone has seen the daily number of visitors exceed 60,000 since February 10, doubling compared to the same period of last year. With its restored ancient mansions and alleyways becoming popular backdrops for hanfu (traditional Chinese clothing) photography enthusiasts, traveling photography is also expanding in Xinghuafu, boosting the overall economy of the area.
"This is my first time coming to this ancient street to take photos. The scenery here is really photogenic. It was such a pleasant surprise," said a tourist dressed in hanfu.
What began with two or three photo studios has now grown to over a dozen, with social media fame driving demand. The trend has subsequently boosted cultural creative products and food and beverage sales in the cultural zone.
Tourists are also drawn to Xinghuafu's authentic Putian cuisine such as lor mee and flat wontons. Some stores are treating visitors with special activities for the holiday.
A highlight this year is the hands-on red rice cake making experience. The red rice cake, a glutinous rice delicacy, typically stuffed with sweet fillings, is a key festive treat for the Spring Festival in Putian. Shops are also rolling out to-go packages for visitors to bring Putian's flavors back home. Food parcels shipping out from Xinghuafu has doubled during the holiday season, according to express delivery workers.
Historical zone in Fujian welcomes holiday tourists with night economy, cultural immersion
