As the world emerges from the shadows of the pandemic, China's consumer market is showing signs of robust growth, particularly in the first quarter of 2025. According to a report from the State Information Center, the surge in consumption is attributed to a combination of favorable policies and an accelerated release of consumption potential. This revitalization of consumer activity is particularly evident in offline spending, which has seen a year-on-year increase of 14.2 percent, a significant 9.1 percentage points higher than the previous quarter.
The data also highlights the small commodity market's resilience, with operations growing by 21.6 percent year-on-year in March 2025. This indicates that the demand for everyday goods is not only recovering but thriving, reflecting a renewed enthusiasm among consumers. The daily-life service sector, which encompasses a variety of services from dining to entertainment, has also experienced a notable uptick, with an overall increase of 18.3 percent compared to the same period last year. In March alone, this sector saw a 14.5 percent growth.
Among the standout sectors during this period were leisure and entertainment, which soared by an impressive 67.6 percent, and the catering industry, which grew by 14.5 percent. These figures suggest that consumers are not just returning to normal spending habits but are eager to engage in experiences that were curtailed during the pandemic.
The enthusiasm for travel has particularly surged, coinciding with the Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb-Sweeping Day, which fell on April 4, 2025. The State Information Center reported that online search volumes for keywords related to Qingming outings and flower appreciation have skyrocketed by more than four times, indicating a strong desire for travel and outdoor activities.
As China’s consumer sector heats up, the Asia-Pacific region is also witnessing a significant rise in international travel interest, primarily driven by major sporting events like the 2025 Formula 1 season. The Formula 1 races in Melbourne, Shanghai, and Suzuka have emerged as key attractions, drawing considerable attention from global markets.
Booking.com’s recent analysis reveals a marked increase in travel searches from countries including the UK, US, Germany, France, and Japan, particularly surrounding the Grand Prix weekends. This surge in interest underscores the role of major sporting events in enhancing tourism and the visibility of host cities. The Australian Grand Prix, held from March 13 to 16, 2025, was notably popular, with Australia leading in search volume.
For the Chinese Grand Prix, scheduled for March 21 to 23, 2025, there was a significant spike in interest from the Russian Federation, Japan, and Thailand, alongside continued interest from the United States, Germany, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Singapore. This trend suggests that Formula 1 events are not only captivating local audiences but also attracting international visitors, further stimulating the economy.
The Suzuka Grand Prix, taking place from April 4 to 6, 2025, has generated strong domestic interest, with Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom ranking as the top countries seeking information about the event. The search data from Booking.com, which covered travel queries made between December 1, 2024, and March 3, 2025, reflects the growing enthusiasm for motorsports and long-distance travel linked to significant sporting events.
These insights indicate that as the 2025 Formula 1 season progresses, it is becoming a vital catalyst for tourism growth in the Asia-Pacific region. Each host city is benefiting from increased international visibility, with the Grand Prix events acting as a magnet for cross-border visitor interest during race weekends.
Overall, the combination of a revitalized consumer market in China and the burgeoning interest in international travel around major sporting events paints a promising picture for the economy as it continues to recover. The data suggests that consumers are not only ready to spend again but are also eager to explore, travel, and engage in experiences that they may have missed out on during the pandemic.
With the Qingming Festival and the excitement surrounding the Formula 1 races, both sectors are poised for continued growth, reflecting a broader trend of recovery and resilience in the face of past challenges. As consumers and travelers embrace this new era, the implications for the economy could be substantial, paving the way for a vibrant and dynamic landscape in 2025 and beyond.
