By Hasan Muhammad

Editor's Note: The writer is a freelance columnist on international affairs based in Karachi, Pakistan. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of China Economic Net.

As much of the world continues to wrestle with economic uncertainty, China's recent National Day holiday offered a revealing look at how domestic consumption is becoming a cornerstone of its growth strategy. The eight-day holiday, which this year combined the Mid-Autumn Festival with National Day, turned the country into a massive stage for travel, shopping, and cultural celebration.

According to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Chinese travelers made 888 million domestic trips over the holiday, a sharp increase from the previous year. That's not just a statistic—it's a sign of a population eager to move, spend, and explore. Tourism revenue reached 809 billion yuan, or roughly 113 billion dollars, up more than 100 billion yuan from the year before. The Ministry of Transport reported 2.43 billion cross-regional passenger trips, a 6.2 percent rise. These aren't just people going home or visiting relatives. They're consumers, and their movement is fueling a broader economic engine.

Retail and catering sectors saw a 2.7 percent increase in sales, while overall consumer-related sectors grew 4.5 percent year over year. In key commercial districts, foot traffic rose nearly 9 percent, and revenues climbed 6 percent. These are not the kinds of numbers you'd expect from an economy in retreat.

What's more interesting than the volume of spending is how people are spending. Chinese consumers are showing a preference for goods that combine modern innovation with cultural identity. Sales of green organic foods jumped nearly 28 percent. Smart home appliances rose by over 14 percent. "China-chic" clothing, which blends traditional aesthetics with contemporary design, also saw a 14 percent boost. This shift suggests a maturing consumer base that values quality, sustainability, and cultural relevance.

Inbound tourism added another layer. Border authorities recorded over 16 million entries and exits during the holiday, an 11.5 percent increase. Visa policies were relaxed for travelers from 76 countries, and transit exemptions were extended to 55 nations. Beijing welcomed 119,000 overseas visitors, a 48 percent jump, who spent 1.23 billion yuan - up more than 54 percent. Guangzhou's airport saw over 350,000 cross-border travelers, a 13 percent rise. Tools like AI-powered translation apps helped smooth the experience for foreign tourists, making China more accessible and appealing.

Some critics have pointed out that per-trip spending is still below pre-pandemic levels. That's true, but it misses the bigger picture. The sheer scale of activity - 888 million trips - is a powerful indicator of economic vitality. It also reflects the strength of China's infrastructure, from high-speed rail to digital payment systems, which make travel and spending easier than ever.

There's a lesson here for other countries. China is investing in what some call "experiential consumption" - activities that go beyond buying goods to include cultural and recreational experiences. Whether it's a bamboo raft ride or a heritage workshop, these experiences build emotional connections to domestic brands and destinations. That, in turn, reduces dependence on exports and helps stabilize the economy.

The success of this holiday season tells us something important. China is not just bouncing back from recent disruptions. It is reimagining its economy from the inside out. The focus is shifting from exports to domestic demand, from quantity to quality, from imitation to innovation. That transformation won't happen overnight, but the signs are there.

As the world watches China's next moves, it is worth noting that resilience doesn't always come from external strength. Sometimes, it comes from within. And right now, China seems to be betting that its own people - traveling, spending, and celebrating - are the best foundation for its future.