During the 2026 Spring Festival, the gentle river-sea ambiance of Nantong intertwined with Chengdu's vibrant urban energy, as both cities carved distinct paths in development. These trajectories highlighted evolving public demands for quality housing and emerging momentum in commercial consumption.
In Nantong, the property market centered on precise policy support and resident-friendly services, creating a harmonious atmosphere for new home purchases. Coinciding with the local real estate association’s 40th anniversary, 74 property projects citywide launched promotional campaigns catering to various needs—from first-time buyers to upgraders—addressing returning residents, talent settlement, and senior-friendly living.
Tangzha Old Town, adorned with festive lanterns, drew large crowds with its Spring Festival lantern displays, circus performances, market fairs, and cultural shows. Over the first two days of the lunar new year, visitor numbers surged over 50% year-on-year, exceeding 66,000. Bustling market stalls and local businesses saw revenues jump 189%, while nearby inns, snack shops, and souvenir stores experienced significant customer growth, illustrating strong cultural-tourism consumption vitality.
As a pioneer of the "park city" concept, Chengdu focused on elevated living standards during the holiday. The Luxehills community, a flagship project in Tianfu New Area spanning 8,300 acres with a 2,100-acre artificial lake, epitomized this vision by blending residential, ecological, and cultural amenities within a co-governance community framework.
Chengdu’s commercial real estate sector leveraged innovative themes and flagship store expansions to attract nationwide consumer interest. Over 90 brands launched limited horse-themed editions, while flagship stores like Hermès and Longchamp introduced upgrades. Interactive installations, pop-up exhibitions, and traditional-meets-modern events—from lantern displays in SM Square to high-tech drone shows—created immersive experiences that boosted footfall and spending.
The contrasting Spring Festival narratives of Nantong and Chengdu reflect China’s broader efforts to stabilize the property market and stimulate commercial spending. Nantong, as a manufacturing hub in the Yangtze River Delta, demonstrated steadiness through policy-backed housing demand and practical consumption recovery. Chengdu, a dynamic southwestern metropolis, showcased mature property stock renewal and vibrant cultural-commerce integration, signaling robust domestic consumption upgrading.
One city building stability, the other surging with innovation—together, they sketch an encouraging start to 2026, underscoring how balanced real estate and confident consumption form the foundation of high-quality urban development in China.