Chinese authorities unveiled a detailed blueprint aimed at cultivating new growth engines within the vast service-consumption landscape, signaling a strategic pivot to harness the full potential of domestic demand. The plan underscores a concerted effort to sustain economic momentum by tapping into the burgeoning demand for higher-quality, diverse lifestyle experiences.

The plan outlines a three-pronged strategy: Revitalizing key sectors, unlocking potential in emerging fields, and fortifying systemic support mechanisms, as introduced by Vice Minister of Commerce Yan Dong at a State Council Information Office policy briefing on Friday. 

The initiative targets both established and nascent segments of the service economy. Key sectors earmarked for focused development include transportation, housekeeping, online audiovisual services, senior care tourism, automotive aftermarket services, and inbound consumption. In parallel, the plan identifies high-potential areas such as live performances, sports events, and the rapidly growing realm of "emotional and experiential services" — activities where the primary driver is the pursuit of mood enhancement or immersive experiences.

"We will adopt an 'industry-by-industry' approach to formulate tailored supportive policies for each specific field, ensuring the practical implementation of measures to enhance service consumption quality and benefit the people," said Yan, outlining the implementation roadmap.

The plan proposes a suite of innovative, sector-specific measures. These range from exploring a graded classification management system for automobile modifications and optimizing safety protocols for large-scale public events, to developing specialized tourist routes and launching themed train services such as those catering to senior travelers. On a broader level, it commits to relaxing market access, removing unreasonable restrictions, fostering premium brands and market entities, and refining the overall consumption environment. Cross-cutting support will involve optimizing standards, enhancing corporate credit information disclosure, and innovating specialized financial products.

The policy drive is grounded in a significant and ongoing structural shift in Chinese consumption patterns. Resident consumption structure is shifting from being primarily goods-based to a balanced emphasis on both goods and services, according to Kong Dejun, director-general of the Department of Service Trade and Commercial Services at the Ministry of Commerce. From 2020 to 2025, per capita service consumption spending in China grew at an average annual rate of 8.5 percent. Its share in total per capita consumer expenditure climbed by 3.5 percentage points, reaching 46.1 percent in 2025 — nearly half of all consumer spending.

"This indicates that service consumption has become a crucial engine for high-quality economic development," Kong emphasized. He attributed the rise of trends like experiential services to evolving consumer priorities, moving from basic availability to a demand for superior quality, personalization, and diversification.

In 2025, the number of foreign nationals entering and exiting China via all ports surged by 26.4 percent year-on-year to 82.035 million, according to the Ministry of Commerce . Sales of tax-refund goods for departing tourists skyrocketed by 95.9 percent, supported by a network of nearly 13,000 tax-refund shops across the country. Building on this momentum, the ministry plans to spearhead the formulation of policies to promote travel service exports and boost inbound spending. Initiatives will span tourism, business activities, international sporting events, cultural entertainment, wellness, and educational training. Furthermore, the authorities will deepen the development of five international consumption center cities — Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Tianjin, and Chongqing — guiding them to enrich premium consumption offerings and foster a more internationally friendly environment.