Qingdao recorded robust growth in consumption during the Spring Festival holiday, as emerging consumer trends and cultural initiatives brought new momentum to the city's retail and tourism sectors. Ten key monitored commercial enterprises reported combined sales of 370 million yuan ($50.7 million), a 9.9 percent year-on-year increase.

Spending was boosted by various policy incentives, including ongoing trade-in subsidies, a lottery-based invoice campaign, and targeted subsidies for new vehicle purchases before the holiday. These measures provided savings from daily supermarket shopping and dining to high-value automobile acquisitions.

International travelers soak up the festive vibe in Qingdao. [Photo/Guanhai News]

Traditional folk culture also played a key role in driving consumption. Major commercial complexes and pedestrian streets hosted dragon and lion dances, intangible cultural heritage performances, and New Year markets, blending festive traditions with modern business formats and enhancing holiday consumption. 

Large-scale events in historic districts further enhanced the city's appeal. The 2026 Qingdao Turnip, Yuanxiao, and Tangqiu Fair attracted 2.88 million visits during the first seven days of Chinese New Year, generating sales of 30.37 million yuan.

Marine tourism stood out as the top performer over the holiday. Local operators welcomed 147,100 visitors, an impressive 89.07 percent year-on-year increase. Tourists and residents gathered at the docks to board sightseeing boats and yachts, rediscovering the city's coastal charm and festive skyline from the water.

Sightseeing cruises see a massive surge in popularity in Qingdao during this year's Spring Festival holiday. [Photo/Guaihai News]

This surge in visitor interest helped Qingdao achieve top rankings on several major travel platforms, particularly for self-driving tours, inbound tourism, and as a prime international destination for Spring Festival period. This strong performance highlights Qingdao's successful efforts in converting cultural vitality into sustained economic progress.