Published by ChinaMNC · Laifeng

China’s 2026 National Day Holiday: Service Consumption Surges, Offering Clues for Foreign Founders

New VAT invoice data from China’s State Taxation Administration shows strong growth in service consumption during the 2026 National Day holiday. For foreign founders, these trends highlight market opportunities and the importance of understanding consumer demand when registering and operating a company in China.

China’s 2026 National Day Holiday: Service Consumption Surges, Offering Clues for Foreign Founders

Foreign founders considering registering a company in China or expanding operations there often look for signals of consumer demand and market momentum. The latest data from China’s State Taxation Administration (STA), based on value-added tax (VAT) invoices, provides a timely snapshot: during the 2026 National Day holiday, nationwide service consumption was robust, with daily sales revenue in related industries rising 19.5% year-on-year. This article summarizes the key findings and explains what they could mean for your business planning.

Overall Service Consumption Growth

According to the STA data released on October 8, service consumption across China grew strongly during the holiday period. The 19.5% year-on-year increase in average daily sales revenue for relevant industries underscores the resilience of China’s consumer market. For foreign founders, this suggests that demand for services—ranging from travel and dining to entertainment and personal care—remains vibrant, even amid broader economic adjustments.

Travel and Tourism: A Standout Sector

Travel and entertainment services posted particularly impressive gains. Sales revenue for tourism and entertainment services climbed 23.6% year-on-year. Within this segment, travel agency services grew 26.2%, while amusement park services surged 41.2%. Accommodation also reflected diverse demand: budget chain hotels saw a 6.3% increase, and homestay services rose 12.8%.

These figures indicate that both traditional and alternative lodging options are attracting customers. For foreign founders in the hospitality sector, the data points to opportunities in budget-friendly and experience-oriented accommodations, as well as in related services such as tour operations and attraction management.

Food and Beverage: Strong and Diversifying

Dining out remained a popular holiday activity. Catering services revenue grew 9% year-on-year. Notably, snack services increased 15.5%, and fast-food services jumped 30.6%. The rapid expansion of new-style tea drinks drove revenue for beverage and cold drink services to more than double compared to the previous year.

This diversification suggests that consumers are seeking convenience, novelty, and affordability. Foreign founders looking to enter China’s food and beverage market might consider niche segments such as specialty snacks, quick-service formats, or innovative beverage concepts.

Culture, Sports, and Entertainment: Integration Drives Growth

The holiday period saw numerous concerts, cultural performances, and folk activities across the country. This contributed to a 20.9% increase in revenue for cultural and artistic services. Specifically, literary and artistic creation and performance services grew 21%, while mass cultural and sports activities rose 28.3%.

Major sporting events also converted audience engagement into spending. The China Open tennis tournament, for example, helped drive a 29.4% increase in sports services revenue. For foreign founders in the events, entertainment, or sports management sectors, these trends highlight the potential of combining cultural content with commercial activities.

Consumer Goods: Appliances, Electronics, and Kitchenware Shine

While the report focuses on services, it also notes strong performance in certain goods categories. Sales revenue for household appliances and audio-visual equipment rose 40.1% year-on-year. This was supported by several factors: partial disbursement of trade-in subsidies before the holiday, a wave of new digital product launches, and pent-up demand for home upgrades during the break.

Within this category, retail sales of daily-use appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines increased 40.6%, and home audio-visual equipment like televisions grew 36.6%. Communication equipment, including mobile phones and smart bands, saw a remarkable 119.8% increase. Kitchenware and sanitary ware retail sales rose 52.3%.

These numbers suggest that Chinese consumers are eager to upgrade their homes and personal devices, especially when supported by government incentives and new product launches. Foreign founders in consumer electronics, home appliances, or kitchenware might find a receptive market, particularly if they can align with trade-in policies or introduce innovative products.

Self-Care and Lifestyle: Fast-Growing Niches

Services that cater to personal well-being and enjoyment also grew rapidly. Pet services revenue soared 80.8% year-on-year. Fitness and leisure activities increased 16.7%, and hair and beauty services rose 37.1%.

These figures reflect rising disposable incomes and a growing focus on quality of life among Chinese consumers. For foreign founders, niche sectors such as pet care, wellness, and beauty offer promising entry points, especially in urban areas where such spending is concentrated.

Implications for Foreign Founders

The 2026 National Day holiday data reveals a Chinese consumer market that is dynamic and diverse. Service consumption is expanding across travel, dining, entertainment, and personal care, while demand for upgraded consumer goods remains strong. For foreign founders, these trends can inform market entry strategies, product offerings, and location choices.

However, tapping into these opportunities requires more than just market awareness. Setting up a legal entity in China, understanding local tax regulations, and navigating industry-specific requirements are essential steps. Whether you are considering a wholly foreign-owned enterprise (WFOE), a joint venture, or another structure, professional guidance can help you avoid common pitfalls and operate compliantly.

China’s VAT invoice data is a reliable indicator of actual economic activity, as it reflects real transactions. The STA publishes such data regularly, offering valuable insights for businesses. By monitoring these trends, foreign founders can make more informed decisions about where to invest and how to position their offerings.

Next Steps

If you are a foreign founder looking to register a company in China or expand your existing operations, ChinaMNC can help. We provide practical assistance with company registration, tax compliance, and ongoing operational support. Contact us on WhatsApp or WeChat at +86 153 1898 8535 to discuss your plans and get started.

This summary is based on information published by the relevant Chinese government website and is general information, not legal or tax advice.