Beijing, February 17, 2026: China recorded a strong surge in consumer activity during the first two days of the Lunar New Year holiday, driven by rising demand for green, smart, and health-oriented products, according to data released by the Ministry of Commerce of China.
Official figures showed that average daily sales of the country’s major retail and catering enterprises increased by 10.6 per cent during the first two days of the holiday compared with the same period last year. Meanwhile, footfall and turnover at 78 shopping centres and commercial areas monitored by the ministry rose by 23.2 per cent and 33.2 per cent, respectively, on Sunday (February 15), the first day of the holiday, year-on-year.
The ministry said the ongoing used consumer goods exchange campaign has so far benefited 27.56 million people, generating total sales worth 193.09 billion yuan as of Monday (February 16). Used car replacement alone led to the sale of 607,000 vehicles, driving 99.56 billion yuan in new car sales.
Demand for environmentally friendly, smart, and health-related products continues to rise. Sales of wearable smart devices on major platforms increased 1.3 times on Sunday, while sales of blood pressure and blood glucose monitors rose by more than 60 per cent. Organic food sales also recorded a 52 per cent increase, according to the ministry.
Service-sector consumption also saw notable growth during the festive period. New Year’s dinner reservations on major platforms jumped 80.7 per cent, hotel accommodation revenue increased 32.7 per cent, and car rental orders rose 54 per cent. Snow tourism consumption grew 1.2 times, while tourism aimed at escaping colder climates increased by 68 per cent.
The figures, reported by China Radio International, highlight robust domestic consumption momentum during the holiday period, reflecting growing consumer confidence and evolving spending preferences across China.
