Value-added tax invoice data released by China's State Taxation Administration on May 6 indicates robust consumer activity during the May Day holiday period. Sales revenue in consumption-related industries increased by 14.3% year-on-year, signaling a further release of consumer potential. Notable growth was observed in tourism, entertainment, and cultural services, alongside a positive trend in lifestyle service consumption. The catering and accommodation sectors also experienced rapid growth, while goods consumption showed signs of quality enhancement and rising popularity.
During the holiday, the tourism market was particularly active, with sales revenue from tourism and entertainment services rising by 21.2% compared to the same period last year. Services closely related to travel and leisure, such as travel agency services and leisure sightseeing activities, grew by 23.8% and 26.2%, respectively. Consumer preference for cultural and sports activities was evident, with sales revenue in cultural services and sports services increasing by 42.3% and 44.1%. Within these categories, performing arts—including concerts—and fitness services grew by 41.7% and 50.2%, respectively.
Sales revenue from residential household services rose by 14.2% during the holiday. Laundry and dyeing services, pet care services, and automotive repair and maintenance services grew by 38.1%, 49.5%, and 12.6%, reflecting consumers’ growing focus on convenience and self-fulfillment beyond basic needs. Health services for residents also saw a notable increase of 40.1%.
The catering market performed well during the holiday, with many regions launching specialty dining events that helped drive a 31.4% year-on-year increase in catering sales revenue. Homestay services, which combine diverse amenities and unique experiences, grew by 13.3%.
Offline retail environments continued to improve, offering greater convenience to shoppers. Comprehensive retail sales revenue increased by 12.4%, with supermarkets and other physical retailers enhancing consumer experiences through optimized shopping environments, leading to a 15.6% rise in sales. Demand for premium goods remained strong, with cosmetics, gold and silver jewelry, and arts and crafts recording sales growth of 55.8%, 28.8%, and 57.4%, respectively.
Huang Lixin, Director of the Tax Science Research Institute of the State Taxation Administration, stated that the VAT invoice data reflects sustained growth in holiday consumption and the effective release of consumer potential. In particular, as policies aimed at promoting service consumption continue to take effect, service-oriented spending continues to upgrade and maintain strong momentum.