Dezhou City in east China's Shandong Province started the year of 2026 by distributing 50 million yuan (about 7.15 million U.S. dollars) vouchers for consumption during the New Year holiday.
The vouchers cover highly demanded products like digital electronics and home appliances, and are expected to boost the local market's vitality.
During the three-day New Year holiday that ends on Saturday, digital sections in several major shopping malls in Dezhou were packed with shoppers.
With their vouchers, consumers could enjoy up to 15 percent discount, capped at a subsidy of 500 yuan per item, which has drawn many people into stores.
"I came early this morning and bought this mobile phone. And I got up early to grab this voucher. I'm very happy, as I saved 500 yuan in total," said Zhuang Wei, a local consumer.
Retailers said they are coordinating closely with major brands to make the most of the consumption voucher policy.
"We've actively worked with major brands' manufacturers, comprehensively pushing on multi-dimensions from supply, pricing and service. Consumers buying mobile phones, tablets, watches and smart glasses can enjoy a 15-percent subsidy," said Zhao Sha, deputy general manager of a local home appliance store.
The consumption vouchers also cover cars, home appliances and smart home products. Around key spending periods such as the New Year's Day and the upcoming Spring Festival, Dezhou plans to host more than 60 promotion campaigns to further stimulate holiday consumptions.
Shandong city issues 50 million yuan vouchers for holiday consumption
Citizens of the Republic of Korea (ROK) have shared their views and expectations for future cooperation with China ahead of President Lee Jae Myung's state visit, which began in Beijing on Sunday.
Lee is making his first visit to China since assuming office in June 2025, with the state visit scheduled to run until Wednesday.
Street food vendor Jang Dong Il said he had high expectations for the visit, hoping it would lead to effective cooperation between the two countries and improvements in the economic environment for mutual benefit.
"More exchanges between the two countries would boost for the two economies. I am full of hope for a strong cooperation between President Lee Jae-myung and President Xi Jinping," he said.
"I have high hopes for this meeting between our countries' leaders. President Lee Jae Myung is visiting China between January 4 and January 7, to discuss economic, cultural and tourism exchanges.I understand about 200 to 300 South Korean corporate executives have traveled with him. I have high hopes for this. If this visit helps strengthen relations between two leaders,I believe it could lead to a win-win outcome and bring ROK and China closer together," Yang said.
"The leaders' meeting can spark dynamic exchanges in economy and culture. More exchanges between the two countries would boost the two economies. I am full of hope for a strong cooperation between President Lee Jae-myung and President Xi Jinping," said Noh Yun Ji, a teacher.
"The two can complement each other economically and continue to develop," said Kim Yoon Jung, a Seoul resident.
Dancer Yoon Ji Eun shared her experience of visiting Shanghai, saying that the delicious food suited her taste and that the city’s fashionable, clean urban environment left her with a positive impression of China.
"Last summer, I took a trip to Shanghai, and after seeing it for myself, I found the food was to my taste, and the city was modern and clean. So I came to see China as a captivating country," Yoon said.
"First of all, China is a very large country. And the food is delicious. I enjoy dishes like malatang and hot pot.I love Chinese food," Noh said.
The ROK citizens also expressed hope for strengthened people to people exchanges with China.
Recalling her time studying dance in China, Yoon said her experience highlighted the role of education in fostering cultural understanding.
"Although I don’t know much about this, as I mentioned, I went to Shanghai for dance lessons. It shows education can offer cultural experiences," she said.
South Koreans hope president’s first visit to China will enhance exchanges
