China’s Parent-Child Economy Booms Families Fuel $685B Market

Forget boring mall runs—China’s shopping centers are now buzzing with mini amusement parks, kid-friendly pop-ups, and interactive play zones . A wave of parent-child consumption is reshaping urban lifestyles, driven by Gen Z and millennial parents who crave creative, educational, and Instagram-worthy family experiences.

Behind the trend? A national push for family growth. With the three-child policy in full swing and investments in family-friendly infrastructure, China’s parent-child economy is projected to hit 5 trillion yuan ($685B) by 2025, per the National Bureau of Statistics. Over 240 million kids aged 0-15 are fueling this demand—think Disney-level enthusiasm but on a nation-wide scale .

Young parents like Xia Ye and Hu Peng are swapping toys for theme park passports. Their 5-year-old has already conquered Shanghai Disneyland and Sanya’s beaches, with Wuxi’s Three Kingdoms Theme Park next on the list. Friends’ kids? They’re racking up stamps from Zhuhai’s aquarium wonderland to Universal Studios Japan .

Hotels and restaurants are joining the party too—picture themed suites with bunk beds shaped like race cars and menus offering ‘dinosaur-shaped dumplings’ . Travel isn’t just leisure anymore; it’s become a #FamilyGoals mission blending education with adventure.

As May Day bookings surge, one thing’s clear: In China, raising kids now comes with a side of economic superpowers .

Reference(s):

Parent-child consumption emerges as a key growth driver in China

cgtn.com