Rising Consumer Spend Marks May Day Travel Surge in China

Chinese travellers spent 180.27 billion yuan during the May Day holiday, an 8% increase from last year, showing consumer confidence despite economic challenges. There were 314 million domestic trips, with spending per head rising to 574.1 yuan, though still below pre-pandemic levels. Weixin Pay transactions significantly increased, while cinema ticket sales halved.

BEIJING, May 6 (Reuters) - Chinese travellers demonstrated increased consumer confidence this May Day holiday, shelling out 180.27 billion yuan, an 8% hike from last year, according to government data. This uptick occurs amid lingering economic challenges and a property crisis, marking an important consumer milestone.

The holiday accounted for 314 million domestic trips, a 6.5% increase, as families took advantage of the warming weather and flowering landscapes. Spending per person climbed 1.5% to 574.1 yuan, yet it remained under pre-pandemic 2019 levels of 603.4 yuan.

Notably, Weixin Pay transactions observed over a 10% rise, especially buoyed by restaurant spending, though cinemas faced stark declines, with ticket sales dropping to 747 million yuan from last year's 1.53 billion yuan during the period.