The New Year's holiday saw a surge in consumer spending in Beijing, with a total sales volume of 2.51 billion yuan ($352 million) in key sectors, as around 22.18 million people flocked to 60 of the city's shopping districts, a 40.5% year-on-year increase, according to data from the municipal bureau of commerce.
Food and beverage consumption rose by 27.9% during the same period. Key commercial areas in Beijing, including Sanlitun and Liangma River, staged musical performances and light shows.
Over the three-day holiday, the Wangfujing shopping area saw 629,000 visitors, a 77.3% increase from the previous year, while Zhongguancun attracted 263,000 visitors, up by 92.7%, and Qianmen welcomed 241,000 visitors, marking a 93.5% increase.
Additionally, shopping centers in the capital city organized various exhibitions and fairs. Several food and beverage consumption festivals were held, helping to boost revenues of catering brands such as Quanjude and Donglaishun by 85.8% and 60% year on year, respectively.