China's economy grew by 5.4 percent in the first quarter of this year, outstripping expectations, underpinned by strong consumption, industrial output and exports, according to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on Wednesday.

The GDP growth beat analysts' expectations, exceeding Reuters' growth projection of 5.1 percent and Bloomberg's 5.2 percent. The economy had a "good start" in the January-March quarter, said Sheng Laiyun, deputy head of the NBS.

Both consumption and industrial output indicated unexpected momentum in March. Retail sales rose by 5.9 percent last month against a year earlier, beating the average forecast of 4.2 percent. Industrial output went up 7.7 percent, also surpassing estimates.

China's exports grew faster in the first three months, with a year-on-year increase of 6.9 percent. NBS's Sheng said the rapid growth in exports despite the increase in tariffs and trade restrictions since February demonstrated China's resilience.

CGTN analyzed key economic figures from the NBS in the following graphic.