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During China’s National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holidays, a dynamic scene unfolds across the country, showcasing cultural festivities, bustling transportation networks, and innovative ways of consuming. This eight-day holiday, which started on October 1, has experienced unprecedented levels of travel and consumer activity nationwide. From flag-raising ceremonies at Tiananmen Square in Beijing to drone displays atop Mount Emei, patriotic enthusiasm blends seamlessly with economic vitality.
By 4 a.m. on October 1, Tiananmen Square was already crowded with eager spectators. On this National Day, approximately 121,000 people gathered to watch as the national flag was raised at dawn, symbolizing national pride and unity.
“I’ve always looked forward to this moment, when I can openly express my love for my country,” said Tao Bufan, age 27.
Cultural events are significantly enhancing regional tourism. For example, in Tangshan, located in northern Hebei Province, a series of free National Day concerts attracted large crowds, providing high-quality cultural experiences for residents and visitors alike. Officials estimate that over 12,000 cultural activities will be held across the country during this holiday period.
Transport infrastructure has proved vital in facilitating travel. In the first half of the holiday, inter-provincial trips reached a record of about 1.25 billion journeys. All modes of transportation—including highways, railways, waterways, and air travel—showed year-over-year growth, highlighting China’s interconnected and resilient infrastructure.
Smaller cities’ scenic areas have also become popular destinations. Data from online travel platforms indicates that spots like Jiuzhaigou and Pingtan are hot autumn tourism spots. A visitor from Nanjing, surnamed Zhan, who traveled to Zhejiang Province for a basketball game, shared, “Gathering with family and friends here to watch the game and enjoy snacks creates a special holiday atmosphere.”
New forms of consumption are invigorating the market. On October 1, the “low-altitude bus” service at Qingshan Lake in Hangzhou officially launched. Visitors can now choose between “aerial sightseeing” and “intercity shuttles,” hopping in helicopters at 500 meters altitude to enjoy sweeping views of fall foliage and landscapes.
A tourist from Guangdong Province commented, “It’s really unique to be able to take a helicopter ride and see the scenery from above.”
Policy initiatives are also encouraging spending. Before the holiday, the government allocated CNY 69 billion (roughly USD 9.7 billion) in special bonds to support consumer goods trade-ins, bringing the total for the year to CNY 300 billion. From January to August, subsidy programs for trade-ins received 330 million applications, boosting sales exceeding CNY 2 trillion.
Local authorities have introduced innovative measures as well. In Anhui Province, a credit-based travel program allows visitors to book tickets and hotel stays without paying upfront, while Tianjin has promoted financial activities aimed at increasing holiday consumption.
A spokesperson from the Ministry of Commerce highlighted that ongoing efforts to improve supply chains, innovate consumption methods, and foster cross-sector integration will continue to unlock diverse market potential.
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