Mooncakes, Movies & Mobility: How China Revved Up During Mid-Autumn Festival
China’s Mid-Autumn Festival wasn’t just about family reunions and lanterns this year—it was an economic powerhouse 🌟. From packed trains to booming box offices, the three-day holiday (Sept. 15-17) showcased surging consumer spending, with tourism and travel hitting *record numbers* ahead of the National Day \"golden week.\"
🚄 On the Move
Over 180 million road trips were recorded on Sept. 16 alone, with eco-conscious travelers opting for electric vehicles (60% of journeys!). Railways added 604 extra trains to handle 11.8 million passengers, while airports nationwide saw 1.55 million flyers ✈️. Total cross-regional trips during the holiday? A jaw-dropping 215.9 million on the first day—up nearly 40% from 2023!
Golden Week: The Sequel
Brace yourselves: The National Day holiday (Oct. 1-7) is next. Train tickets sold out faster than K-pop concert passes 🎫, as families, students, and travelers prepare for another wave of economic momentum. Authorities predict railway traffic to remain sky-high, blending tourism, home visits, and adventure.
💡 Why it matters: This spending spree signals strong domestic demand, giving global markets a case of FOMO as China’s economy flexes its holiday muscle 💪.
Reference(s):
China celebrates Mid-Autumn Festival with new consumption trends
cgtn.com