Many regions across China are continuing or increasing incentives for trade-in program into the near year, with consumers enjoying more discounts in their major move-up purchases.
In Shanghai, consumers can enjoy a 15 to 20 percent discount on eight categories of products such as television sets, washing machines, and range hoods in the new round of trade-in promotion. Coupons are available online, which can be used for discounts both in physical stores and on e-commerce platforms.
"I've come here to buy a water heater, and the discount is quite good. Without the national subsidy scheme, it would have cost over 3,000 yuan (roughly 410 in U.S. dollars), but now it's 600 to 700 yuan (82 to 96 U.S. dollars) cheaper. It's a great deal," said a resident in a downtown mall.
In south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, the regional department of commerce announced that the amount of subsidy for automobiles, home appliances, and electric bicycles will remain basically at the same levels as in 2024 until new trade-in related measures roll out, while the size of subsidy for products such as mobile phones, tablets, and smart bracelets is expected to be unveiled soon.
The trade-in program is part of China's efforts to boost domestic demand and support economic growth.
Trade-in program continue spurring consumer spending in new year
The high-speed tourist train between Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and Shanxi Province, both in north China, was officially launched on Sunday, injecting new momentum into the cultural and tourism development of the two regions.
The D4022 bullet train, with 420 tourists onboard, embarked on a four-day journey featuring cultural exploration and winter sports.
The new tourist train service follows the opening of the Jining-Datong-Yuanping high-speed railway on Tuesday, which spans from Jining in Inner Mongolia through Datong to Yuanping in Shanxi.
The tourist train, decorated with festive elements, provided an immersive Inner Mongolian cultural experience for passengers with performances of the horsehead fiddle and traditional Mongolian dances and songs.
"When I got on the train, I felt warm at heart as it was filled with the atmosphere of the Year of the Snake and the Spring Festival," said Li Zhiqiang, one of the passnegers. Upon arriving in Inner Mongolia, the tourists will have the opportunity to explore cities such as Hohhot, Ordos, Ulanqab, and Baotou, fully experiencing the charm of winter tourism in the region. "Going forward, we will continue to promote the 'high-speed rail plus tourism' model, striving to create more cultural tourism products and premium routes to offer better services to tourists from across the country," said Ma Jing, a staff member of the Inner Mongolia Department of Culture and Tourism.
The launch of the high-speed tourist train coincides with China's announcement of an expanded railway network on Sunday, with a new operating plan adding 230 passenger trains nationwide, bringing the total to 13,028. The updated schedule is expected to enhance travel convenience, particularly during the busy Spring Festival travel period.
First Shanxi-Inner Mongolia high-speed tourist train launched
