Editor's note: Matteo Giovannini, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is a finance professional at the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, a Non-Resident Associate Fellow at the Center for China and Globalization (CCG) and a member of the Global Young Leaders Dialogue. The article reflects the author's views and not necessarily those of CGTN.

As the eight-day National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday comes to an end, China's newly released data provides more than a festive snapshot, offering a clear view of the vitality of the country's economy. Official figures published by Xinhua News Agency show that both passenger travel and consumption surged to record-breaking levels, underscoring the strength of the world's second-largest economy and the growing power of domestic demand.

The Ministry of Transport had previously said it expected to see about 2.36 billion passenger trips nationwide during the holiday, averaging 295 million trips per day, up 3.2 percent from last year. Railways carried 23.13 million passengers on October 1, marking the highest single-day figure ever. Civil aviation also reached new heights, with 19.2 million passengers during the day, up 3.6 percent year on year.

Behind these impressive statistics lies an extraordinary feat of logistics and coordination. China's integrated air, rail, and road transport networks operated with precision to accommodate record demand. The national railway system added temporary trains, airports optimized flight schedules, and digital ticketing systems enabled smoother passenger flows. Real-time coordination among ministries, local governments, and platforms ensured efficiency, even at peak times.

This operational success underscores the maturity of China's public infrastructure and the dividends of decades-long investment in connectivity. Managing the world's largest holiday migration with such efficiency reflects both institutional strength and public trust as people travel when they have confidence in the system.

If transportation reflects movement, consumption signals vitality. Retail and catering sectors thrived during the holiday, fueled by tourism and policy incentives. Xinhua described the 2025 Golden Week as characterized by "unprecedented people flows and consumption nationwide," showing rising optimism among households.

Spending patterns reveal a shift toward experiential consumption. Families increasingly favored travel, cultural events, and leisure activities. Scenic spots, museums, restaurants, and shopping centers across the nation reported robust traffic. The emergence of low-altitude aerial sightseeing, regional gourmet festivals, and immersive tourism experiences added variety to consumer choices, illustrating a structural evolution toward quality consumption and lifestyle enrichment.

This consumption boom was supported by proactive government measures aimed at stimulating domestic demand. Local authorities launched digital vouchers, promotional events, and discount campaigns to encourage spending.

For example, in Anhui Province, a "credit-based travel model" allowed tourists to reserve hotels and attractions without upfront payments, effectively reducing friction and promoting spontaneous travel. In Tianjin, consumer vouchers were distributed to incentivize purchases in the retail and dining sectors. On a national scale, the government issued 69 billion yuan in special bonds to support trade-in programs for consumer goods, bringing the total amount to 300 billion yuan so far this year. These measures collectively helped generate over 2 trillion yuan in domestic sales between January and August.

By easing purchasing constraints and encouraging participation, these policies turned potential consumption into real growth. They also aligned with China's broader strategy of rebalancing toward a consumption-driven, innovation-oriented economy that emphasizes domestic circulation.

The Golden Week data highlights an economy in motion. The surge in travel reflects citizens' eagerness to explore, while the rise in spending demonstrates renewed confidence. Together, they point to a broader economic trend that reflects strong internal momentum built on modern infrastructure, digital tools, and supportive policies.

This synergy between mobility and consumption is a hallmark of China's evolving growth model. Decades of investment in logistics, transportation, and connectivity have laid the foundation for efficient nationwide circulation. Each train, highway, and flight route acts as an artery that links regions, balances development, and channels economic vitality to every corner of the country.

At a time when many advanced economies face stagnation and subdued consumer sentiment, China's Golden Week boom sends an unmistakable signal of resilience. Even amid global headwinds and structural adjustments, the ability to mobilize billions of trips and sustain record consumption shows that domestic demand remains a key stabilizing force.

For global observers, these figures serve as a timely reminder that China's economic pulse cannot be captured solely by quarterly GDP reports. The visible vitality of its holiday economy demonstrates the depth of its consumer base and the adaptability of its growth model. China's continued investment in connectivity and innovation is enabling the domestic market to play a greater role in cushioning external uncertainty.

The 2025 National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday are more than a celebration. They stand as a demonstration of coordination, capacity, and confidence. The record travel and robust consumption data reflect not only short-term enthusiasm but also deeper structural strengths, including modern infrastructure, effective governance, and a population eager to embrace higher living standards.

If this powerful combination of mobility and consumption continues beyond holidays, it will remain a key engine of China's long-term growth. As trains, planes, and people keep moving, so too does the Chinese economy, advancing with resilience, confidence, and sustained momentum.

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