According to value-added tax invoice data from the State Taxation Administration, the average daily sales revenue in consumer-related industries across the country during the 2026 Spring Festival holiday increased by 13.7% compared to the same period last year. The consumer market demonstrated robust performance with notable highlights, characterized by a clear trend toward intelligent and eco-friendly consumer goods. Strong demand was observed in tourism and cultural consumption, with ice and snow tourism driving rapid growth in travel services in related provinces. Catering consumption showed an upward trend, while retail sales of goods continued to expand.
Policy incentives such as trade-in programs and reward-based invoice initiatives have effectively stimulated consumer enthusiasm for upgrading products. Consumers showed a growing preference for high-quality, technologically advanced smart products. Sales revenue of household appliances, including robotic vacuum cleaners and projection TVs, increased by 19% year-on-year. Improved charging and battery-swapping infrastructure provided green mobility solutions for residents, with revenue from electric vehicle charging services surging by 163.9% during the holiday period.
The cultural and tourism market remained vibrant, with ice and snow tourism and trips to Hainan continuing to drive consumption. The extended holiday period facilitated the release of pent-up travel demand, leading to a 39.6% year-on-year increase in sales revenue from tourism-related services. Boosted by the Winter Olympics, ice and snow tourism experienced rapid growth, with combined tourism service revenue in key regions such as Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning, and Xinjiang rising by 62.4%. Hainan Free Trade Port welcomed its first long holiday after customs closure, attracting a large number of shoppers and tourists. Scenic spot service revenue in Hainan grew by 70.9% year-on-year.
Traditional culture and modern consumption were deeply integrated during the holiday. Demand for online music, video entertainment, and performances at cultural venues increased significantly. Sales revenue from digital cultural services and art performance venues rose by 38.8% and 136.6%, respectively.
The catering market also saw strong growth, with many regions launching specialty dining events. Family banquet orders surged, driving catering revenue up by 31.2% year-on-year. Full-service restaurant revenue increased by 26.5%, enhancing the festive atmosphere for family reunions, while snack services grew even more rapidly, rising by 42.1%, reflecting strong regional culinary appeal. Department store retail sales rose by 39.3%, and online retail sales grew by 10.4% on top of a high base from the previous year, providing convenient shopping options for the holiday.
An official from the State Taxation Administration noted that the significant growth in daily sales revenue during the Spring Festival holiday was mainly driven by three factors: the extended holiday boosting consumer enthusiasm, the continued effectiveness of trade-in policies stimulating consumption, and reward-based invoice trials in some cities further encouraging spending. The strong holiday consumption figures highlight the vitality and potential of China's consumer market, laying a solid foundation and instilling confidence for sustaining and expanding the country's stable economic recovery throughout the year.