Hong Kong stocks close higher

Hong Kong's stock market ended higher Monday, with the benchmark Hang Seng Index up 0.28 percent to close at 24,040.34 points.

The Hang Seng China Enterprises Index gained 0.26 percent to 8,051.67 points, and the Hang Seng Tech Index rose 0.62 percent to 4,183.68 points.

During the National Day holiday, a lively shaomai food festival has drawn large crowds to Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, with residents and visitors savoring the traditional delicacy and trying their hand at making it themselves.

Boasting a history of at least 700 years, shaomai is a beloved steamed dumpling known for its cylindrical shape and pleated, flower-like top. The traditional craft of making it is officially recognized as an Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region-level intangible cultural heritage item.

The festival kicked off on October 1 at Saishang Old Street, Hohhot's most vibrant and bustling commercial hub, blending tradition with innovation. Alongside classic mutton-filled shaomai, vendors are introducing creative new flavors to cater to diverse tastes. To amplify the celebration, local authorities have partnered with e-commerce platforms and businesses to distribute consumption vouchers across more than 60 restaurants, driving a sharp rise in foot traffic and dining revenue throughout the district.

"It really brought the holiday spirit to life. I hope the aroma of our shaomai travels far and wide, drawing friends from all over the country to visit us in Hohhot," said Mr. Zhang, a local resident.

The three-day event immersed visitors in a mix of food, culture, shopping and entertainment, injecting fresh momentum into the local holiday economy.

"The Shaomai Festival is a major part of our holiday events, attracting huge crowds of residents and tourists to come and taste the food. Foot traffic and dining spending have grown significantly compared with the same period last year. As a signature local delicacy, shaomai is truly fueling a booming holiday economy in Hohhot," said Xue Jianli, an official from the Hohhot Municipal Bureau of Culture, Tourism, Radio and Television.