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Compared with the conditions in 2019, the total retail sales of market consumption, service consumption, and consumer goods in Beijing witnessed a significant rise of 14.7 percent, 25.6 percent, and 2.8 percent respectively, during the first quarter of 2023. The growth rate of the total retail sales of consumer goods in Beijing surged by 13.5 percentage points compared with that in the fourth quarter of 2022 and exceeded the national growth rate by five percentage points. In addition, the number of tourists visiting key business districts reached 530 million, with a total of 57.9 million tourists received during the first quarter of 2023, indicating a growth of over ten percent as compared with the corresponding period in 2022.
Several events will be launched during Beijing Consumption Season to boost consumption during the upcoming Labor Day holiday. Beijing Car-purchasing Festival will be run in Jingang Motor Park from April 28 to May 1. The Direct Sales Season by Beijing State-owned Enterprises will be held at Shougang Park Exhibition and Convention Center from April 29 to May 3. Additionally, residents and tourists can have fun at Beijing Craft Beer Festival run from April 29 to May 1 in Shougang Park.
A total of 28 different cultural activities will kick off in the parks in Beijing during the holiday, including flower exhibitions and activities featuring folk customs experiences. The First Peach Blossom-viewing Season and World Famous Flower Exhibition will be launched at China National Botanical Garden, while several interactive sightseeing activities involving role-playing elements will be introduced at Yuanmingyuan Park. Those who visit Shunyi Olympic Rowing-canoeing Park will be greeted with the Clown Carnival. Yanqi Lake Scenic Area in Huairou District will become the hosting place for various holiday events. As for districts such as Fangshan and Changping, a wide range of activities will be launched there, such as long-distance walking events, bicycle races, and extreme sports carnivals.
Exciting nighttime activities are set to take place at the end of April, providing residents and tourists with new options for entertainment and consumption. These events include the Great Wall night tour at Juyong Pass in Changping District, night tours and consumption activities in Pinggu District, and "Chao River Wharf 3.0" night market in Miyun District.
(Source: Beijing Daily)