China's consumer market saw a strong start during the country's nine-day Spring Festival holiday, which ended on February 23, with spending surging mainly across six key areas--dining, accommodation, transportation, tourism, shopping and entertainment, signaling a vibrant beginning to the Year of the Horse.     

Chinese authorities rolled out a series of policy measures to unlock consumption potential during the festival holiday, as domestic demand remains a key engine for economic growth. Local governments allocated 2.05 billion yuan (about $295.23 million) in funds to directly benefit the public through consumption vouchers, subsidies and cash handouts during the holiday.   

The Spring Festival, China's most important traditional holiday, is typically a peak season for consumer spending, driven by family reunions, travel, dining, entertainment and gift purchases.