Δημοσιεύθηκε · Greek

China’s National Day Holiday Spending Signals Strong Consumer Demand: What Foreign Founders Should Know

New VAT invoice data from China’s State Taxation Administration shows robust growth in services and goods consumption during the 2026 National Day holiday. For foreign founders, these trends highlight opportunities in tourism, dining, entertainment, and consumer goods sectors.

China’s National Day Holiday Spending Signals Strong Consumer Demand

Foreign founders considering entering the Chinese market should take note: the latest data from China’s State Taxation Administration (STA) reveals strong consumer spending during the 2026 National Day holiday. The STA, which publishes VAT invoice data to track economic activity, reported significant year-on-year increases in both service and goods consumption. This article summarizes key findings and offers practical implications for foreign entrepreneurs and investors.

Overall Service Consumption Surges

During the holiday period, nationwide service consumption was robust. Average daily sales revenue in relevant industries grew by 19.5% compared to the same period last year. This broad-based growth indicates strong domestic demand and a recovering consumer confidence, which could benefit foreign businesses operating in service sectors.

Tourism and Entertainment Thrive

Tourism-related services saw particularly strong performance. Sales revenue from tourism and entertainment services increased by 23.6% year-on-year. Within this category, travel agency services grew by 26.2%, while amusement park services jumped by 41.2%. Accommodation services also benefited, with budget chain hotels and homestay services growing by 6.3% and 12.8%, respectively. These figures suggest that foreign founders in the hospitality and leisure sectors may find expanding opportunities, especially in niche areas like boutique accommodations or specialized travel experiences.

Dining and Beverage Sector Booms

Food and beverage services also experienced healthy growth. Overall catering service revenue rose by 9% year-on-year. Notable sub-sectors include snack services (up 15.5%) and fast-food services (up 30.6%). The rapid development of new-style tea drinks drove revenue from beverage and cold drink services to more than double compared to last year. For foreign founders, this signals a vibrant and evolving market, with potential for innovative concepts and brands that cater to local tastes.

Cultural and Sports Activities Merge with Commerce

The holiday period saw a fusion of cultural, sports, and entertainment activities. Concerts, cultural performances, and folk events contributed to a 20.9% increase in cultural and artistic services revenue. Specifically, literary and artistic creation and performance services grew by 21%, while mass cultural and sports activities rose by 28.3%. Events like the China Open tennis tournament converted spectator traffic into consumption, driving a 29.4% increase in sports services revenue. Foreign founders in event management, sports marketing, or cultural exchange could tap into this trend.

Consumer Goods Sales Shine

Sales of home appliances, digital electronics, and kitchen and bathroom products were particularly impressive. Revenue from household appliances and audio-visual equipment increased by 40.1% year-on-year. This was driven by several factors: partial implementation of trade-in subsidies for consumer goods before the holiday, a wave of new digital product launches, and pent-up demand for home upgrades during the break. Within this category, daily-use appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines grew by 40.6%, while televisions and other home entertainment equipment rose by 36.6%. Communication equipment, including mobile phones and smart bands, surged by 119.8%. Kitchenware and bathroom fixtures retail revenue increased by 52.3%. These numbers underscore the huge potential in China’s consumer electronics and home improvement markets, where foreign brands with innovative products can thrive.

Self-Care and Lifestyle Services Grow Rapidly

Services catering to personal well-being also posted strong gains. Pet services revenue soared by 80.8%, fitness and leisure activities grew by 16.7%, and hair and beauty services increased by 37.1%. This indicates a rising middle class increasingly focused on quality of life and self-care, presenting opportunities for foreign founders in pet care, wellness, and beauty industries.

Implications for Foreign Founders

For foreign entrepreneurs planning to register a company in China, these consumption trends offer valuable insights. The service sector, particularly tourism, dining, entertainment, and personal services, is expanding rapidly. The strong performance of consumer goods, especially electronics and home appliances, suggests a resilient retail market. Moreover, government policies such as trade-in subsidies can stimulate demand, so staying informed about local incentives is crucial. However, foreign founders should also be aware of the competitive landscape and the need to adapt products and services to local preferences. Conducting thorough market research and understanding VAT invoicing requirements—since the data is derived from VAT invoices—are essential steps. Partnering with local experts can help navigate registration, taxation, and compliance smoothly.

This summary is based on information published by the relevant Chinese government website and is general information, not legal or tax advice.

Need Assistance?

Foreign founders can contact ChinaMNC on WhatsApp / WeChat at +86 153 1898 8535 for help registering and operating a company in China.