China’s National Day Holiday Fuels Travel Surge and “Millet Economy”
BEIJING – China’s week-long National Day holiday, concluding October 8, 2025, triggered a massive surge in domestic travel and a corresponding boost to local economies, dubbed the “millet economy,” as citizens spent heavily on leisure and consumption. Passenger traffic across the country increased tenfold compared to normal levels, according to data released by the Ministry of Transport.
The holiday period, traditionally a peak travel season, saw 828 million domestic tourist trips made between October 1st and October 8th, generating a total revenue of 797.83 billion yuan (approximately $110.6 billion USD). This surge in tourism directly benefits smaller cities and rural areas, where the majority of domestic travelers venture, supporting local businesses and driving economic growth at the grassroots level. The “millet economy” – a term referencing the reliance on small-scale, localized economic activity – is particularly vibrant during this period.
Key destinations included Zhengzhou in Henan province, which saw a important influx of visitors. The increased travel volume placed a strain on transportation infrastructure,with highways and airports experiencing heavy congestion. Despite the crowds, the holiday provided a crucial economic stimulus following earlier periods of pandemic-related restrictions. Analysts predict the positive momentum will continue into the fourth quarter,bolstering China’s overall economic recovery.
