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Opinion | Should China break with travel frenzy and rethink holiday system?
- Price rises, long queues and cancelled bookings have highlighted the strains of millions travelling at the same time
- There are also questions over the long-term benefits of the five-day spending shot to China’s economic recovery
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The travel frenzy during China’s five-day May Day holiday, which ends on Wednesday, is being hailed by state media as an indicator of the country’s economic recovery.
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A People’s Daily commentary on Tuesday said the spending boom was an indicator of the growing confidence of Chinese consumers and the economy’s vitality.
“The Labour Day holiday lets the world see a China full of vitality and hope, it again confirms China’s economy is resilient, full of potential, and full of vitality and its long-term trend is positive,” it said.
The mainland was still reeling from a massive Covid-19 outbreak nationwide in January during China’s last long holiday – for the Spring Festival – just weeks after lifting all pandemic restrictions.
It was not surprising to see mainlanders craving a break away from home during the May holiday, but some internet users and commentators have questioned whether the strains of travelling this week have been too much.
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They have also asked whether this spending bout can help the economy in the long term, apart from giving it a shot of positive sentiment.
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