China’s transportation sectors witnessed a remarkable surge during the recently concluded May Day holiday, with over 1.35 billion passenger trips made, marking a 2.1 percent increase compared to the previous year. This robust growth highlights the ongoing momentum of the Chinese economy.
The bustling Beijing Capital International Airport saw an average of 1,139 daily flights during the holiday, representing a 7 percent year-on-year increase, and catered to an impressive 177,200 passengers daily, a 17 percent rise from the same period last year. Meanwhile, Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station experienced a significant surge in high-speed train passengers, handling a substantial 363,600 departing passengers on May 1st alone.
Across various regions, cultural and tourism activities flourished, drawing significant crowds. From Luoyang to the ancient village of Xidi in Huangshan, visitors flocked to experience diverse events. Chengdu’s Xicun Courtyard became a hub for festivities, hosting music parties, fashion markets, and beer festivals that attracted young and fashionable crowds.
Domestic tourism played a pivotal role during the holiday, with 295 million trips recorded, a 7.6 percent increase from the previous year and a notable 28.2 percent rise compared to 2019. Domestic tourists spent 166.89 billion yuan ($23.12 billion), marking a 12.7 percent year-on-year increase. Lower-tier destinations and rural ancient towns, such as Qianhu Miao Village and Hongcun village, gained popularity, showcasing the promise of the county-level tourism market.
Both international and domestic tourism sectors experienced growth, with 3.67 million inbound and outbound tourists combined, indicating a swift recovery. The consumer market also saw impressive results, with retail and catering sales rising by 6.8 percent compared to the same period last year. The film industry also thrived, with a box office revenue of 1.52 billion yuan and 37.77 million moviegoers.
The parcel delivery sector played a crucial role during the holiday, handling a remarkable 4.03 billion parcels, showcasing a significant increase in volume and exploring new integration paths with tourism services.
Overall, the vibrant consumer market and tourism activity during the May Day holiday underscored the resilience and potential of the Chinese economy.
