China's service sector business activity index stood at 50.2 percent in September, up 0.9 percentage points from the previous month, pointing to a rebound in market activity within the sector, according to data jointly released by the National Bureau of Statistics and the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing on Wednesday.
Highlighting key growth drivers across the non-manufacturing sector, Huo Lihui, chief statistician at the National Bureau of Statistics, noted that several industries performed strongly.
"By industry, the business activity index for telecommunications, radio and television, satellite transmission services, monetary and financial services, as well as insurance all stood above 55 percent, remaining in a relatively high prosperity range, with the total business volume of relevant enterprises continuing to grow at a relatively fast pace," said Huo.
Construction also picked up strongly during its traditional peak season in September. The industry's business activity index surged 3.4 percentage points month-on-month to 50.3 percent, hitting its highest level so far this year, data showed.
"In September, supply and demand in the non-manufacturing sector improved simultaneously. Price transmission was smooth, consumption picked up, infrastructure played the underpinning role, the financial sector provided strong support, and the endogenous momentum strengthened, laying a solid foundation for steady and positive economic growth in the fourth quarter. Looking ahead to the fourth quarter, as the effects of policies to ensure steady economic growth continue to be released and combined with peak-season factors at year-end, investment and consumption demand are expected to recover at a faster pace, and the non-manufacturing sector will maintain a steady and positive development trend," said He Hui, vice president of the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing.
China's non-manufacturing sector sees rebound in September
China's tourism sector is gearing up for a booming influx of international visitors as the National Day holiday kicks off on Thursday, driven by relaxed visa policies and soaring overseas interest.
In the southwestern province of Sichuan, curated boutique travel routes are offering international tourists immersive experiences, highlighting local attractions ranging from snow-capped mountains and giant pandas to intangible cultural heritage and local cuisine.
According to forecasts by the Sichuan General Station of Exit and Entry Frontier Inspection, the total volume of inbound and outbound travelers at Chengdu’s two major airports -- Tianfu and Shuangliu -- is expected to exceed 150,000 during this year's National Day holiday. The daily average throughput is projected at 21,000 travelers, with a peak daily volume of 22,000 expected on the first day of the holiday.
"This is my first time in China. I always wanted to visit China. I want to make a big trip in China. I'm in Chengdu right now and I want to see the pandas, and I also want to try Sichuan cuisine," said a tourist from Russia.
Meanwhile, eastern China's coastal hubs are experiencing a parallel boom. According to the Shandong General Station of Exit and Entry Frontier Inspection, ports across Shandong Province are expected to handle 142,000 inbound and outbound travelers during the holiday, marking a 27.3 percent increase year on year. Driven by the continuous policy dividends of China's expanding visa-free transit policies, cities including Jinan, Qingdao and Yantai are seeing peak travel flows. In Weihai, located at the eastern tip of the Shandong Peninsula, tourism momentum has carried over from the summer season, marked by a noticeable rise in travelers opting for ferry routes between China and South Korea. The dozen-hour maritime passage has emerged as a popular choice for tourists commuting between the two countries. "It is very convenient, the customs clearance process is smooth, and the staff are very enthusiastic. Weihai is very clean," said a tourist from South Korea.
China's border authorities are ramping up operational capacity to manage the heavy foot traffic.
"During the holiday, we have increased the number of inspection lanes, optimized duty arrangements, and deployed staff in advance to direct passenger flows. Meanwhile, we continue to implement measures to facilitate convenient customs clearance, ensuring efficient and smooth operations at the port," said Guo Xu, head of the first inspection team at the Weihai border inspection station.
China braces for inbound travel surge during National Day Holiday
