China is witnessing a surge in consumer spending ahead of the upcoming Spring Festival, or Chinese New Year, as markets across the country bustle with shoppers purchasing festive goods.
Falling on February 17, this year's Spring Festival marks the beginning of the Year of the Horse in Chinese culture. It is one of the most important holidays in China, celebrated with family reunions and wishes for good luck.
To meet the surge in demand, northwest China's Shaanxi Province has launched over 150 festival-themed consumption events covering shopping, dining, performances and folk culture experiences. At a Spring Festival goods fair in Xi'an City, a dedicated folk culture zone featuring toys and decorations themed around the Year of the Horse is especially popular among young shoppers.
"I bought a lot of items with Year of the Horse elements like Spring Festival couplets, lanterns and red envelopes. The selection here is rich. You can find everything you need in one place," said Luo Fei, a consumer.
Supply of New Year goods is ample with brisk sales being made as consumption continues to pick up nationwide.
In Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, Lingnan flower markets are offering more than 40 major categories and over 100 varieties of flowers this year to meet the surging demand. Daily sales of fresh-cut flowers have peaked at 1.5 million stems.
Flower markets in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, are also filled with enthusiastic crowds with festival flowers like moth orchids, kumquat trees, and calla lilies being prominently displayed.
In Shanghai, festival-themed bazaars have been launched in several commercial districts, offering residents more choices for Chinese New Year goods shopping.
In Pingshan County, north China's Hebei Province, a New Year goods festival featuring six themed exhibition zones has brought together thousands of local specialties. Traditional treats such as sugar paintings and freshly baked pastries are drawing streams of customers.
In Tongzi County, southwest China's Guizhou Province, rural markets are packed with consumers, stalls selling candies, dried goods, fruits and vegetables stretch for hundreds of meters along the street.
Across the country, festive fairs are being designed to offer experiences that are enjoyable to watch, play, taste and shop.
In Yichang City, central China's Hubei Province, the annual Xiling Temple Fair hosts traditional Chinese opera and folk performances, while also serving as a platform for agricultural specialty products.
In Rongchang District, southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, lion dances ushered in the opening of a local New Year market, where visitors move between stalls selling festive goods, snacks and local specialties.
In Yongfeng County, east China's Jiangxi Province, more than 200 specialty products from across the province are being showcased and sold at a New Year-themed event. Visitors can also enjoy intangible cultural heritage performances, write Spring Festival couplets and take part in traditional sticky rice cake making.
"The vibe here is so lively. I bought New Year goods, watched performances, and even had a calligrapher write a couplet for me. It feels incredibly satisfying," said Li Yashe, a consumer.
China sees booming consumption as Spring Festival approaches
