China claims labour day travel surge, but Netizens raise doubts over economic reality

Tourism in China saw a notable rise with increased consumer spending during the five-day Labour Day holiday; however, Chinese social media users questioned these statistics, citing various economic issues and declining exports, according to Radio Free Asia (RFA), quoted by ANI.

According to China's ministry of transport data, daily cross-regional passenger travel averaged 293 million trips, showing an 8 per cent increase from the previous year, whilst major retail and dining sectors recorded 6.3 per cent revenue growth during the holiday period, RFA reported.

Despite state media accounts, actual consumer sentiment and market performance during this year's May Day holiday period appeared considerably weaker than previous years. Popular shopping districts showed reduced footfall, with cost-conscious holidaymakers selecting more economical transport options, as per the RFA report.

The RFA report cited netizens' observations that middle and lower-income groups were "on holiday but without funds," contradicting state media claims of a "boom in spending".

A Wuhan resident named Zhang noted sparse crowds at the renowned Wangfujing shopping centre on Zhongshan Avenue. "It was quite empty, and there weren't many people around. The atmosphere is not as lively as before. Prices have increased; even the cost of medication has gone up," Zhang told RFA.

Meanwhile, RFA's previous month's coverage revealed that southeastern China's primary export regions had implemented factory "holidays" leading to production cessation and reduced wages and working hours. The report indicated that over half of Zhejiang's export firms planned extended breaks following the May 1 Labour Day holiday.