BEIJING, April 6 (Xinhua) — China recorded vibrant consumption growth during the three-day Qingming Festival holiday from April 4 to 6, driven by increased travel and family activities.
According to the Ministry of Commerce, the average daily sales of key retail and catering enterprises rose by 2.4 percent year on year. Consumption related to hotel accommodations on major platforms increased by 2.6 percent, while intercity travel trips surged by 15.1 percent.
Family outings significantly boosted the car rental market, with orders rising by about 40 percent compared with the same period last year.
Online sales of smart consumer products also saw notable growth, particularly for smart glasses, smart watches and bands, and smart blood glucose meters, reflecting rising demand for technology-driven lifestyles.
Transportation authorities estimated that 845.38 million passenger trips were made nationwide during the holiday, representing a 6 percent year-on-year increase, with a daily average of 281.79 million trips.
The Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb-Sweeping Day, is a traditional Chinese holiday when people honor their ancestors. It also serves as a popular occasion for outdoor activities and short-distance travel, contributing to the surge in consumption.
