TIANJIN, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) — During this year’s Mid-Autumn Festival holiday, 31-year-old Li Runlin, an employee at a high-tech firm in north China’s Tianjin Municipality, opted to travel back to his hometown of Tangshan in the neighboring Hebei Province to embrace the warmth of a family reunion. His high-speed rail journey from Tianjin to Tangshan was swift, taking less than 40 minutes. The entire trip concluded in just over an hour, a testament to the convenience of modern transportation in China. In preparation for his visit, Li meticulously selected some local delicacies from Tianjin, including the renowned Guifaxiang 18th Street Mahua, a traditional fried dough twist with a storied history, and steamed buns from the esteemed Go Believe brand. His total expenditure was over 500 yuan (about 70 U.S. dollars). In reciprocation, his family packed a selection of local flavors for him to take back.
The Mid-Autumn Festival, a significant cultural event in China, is celebrated with mooncakes, family gatherings, and lantern festivals. It is a time for families to reconnect and celebrate their heritage. The “reunion economy” is a significant economic phenomenon in China, fueled by the holiday. This phenomenon refers to the surge in consumer spending during the festival, as families gather to celebrate.
Commercial zones and shopping centers have been hubs for family consumption during the festival. Over the holiday, the sales figures for department stores, supermarkets, specialty shops, catering services, and e-commerce platforms monitored by the Beijing municipal commerce bureau reached 4.67 billion yuan, marking a 4.4-percent increase year on year. The foot traffic in 60 key commercial areas in Beijing surged to more than 22.3 million person-times, a 21.1-percent rise compared to the previous year. In east China’s Shanghai, savoring fresh meat mooncakes is a cherished tradition during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Time-honored food brands in the bustling Yu Garden, a commercial and tourist hotspot, have drawn crowds of domestic and international visitors. Staff at Shanghai Dexingguan, one of the time-honored local restaurants, revealed that their store sells 2,000 to 3,000 mooncakes daily, with the succulent fresh meat variety being the most sought-after.
The industry is characterized by high levels of competition, with numerous players vying for market share. This competition has led to a surge in innovation, as companies strive to differentiate themselves and attract customers. The catering industry is experiencing a shift towards more sustainable practices.
Families are gathering together to celebrate, and the joy of being together is palpable. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, filled with laughter and shared stories. The focus is on spending quality time with loved ones, and the meals are a central part of that experience. The holiday season is a time for giving, and families are actively involved in charitable activities. From volunteering at local shelters to donating to food banks, families are making a difference in their communities.
“I learned a lot about the history and culture of my parents’ generation.” The film, “The Farewell,” a critically acclaimed film about a Chinese family’s struggle to deal with a terminally ill grandmother. “The Farewell” is a poignant reminder of the complexities of family relationships and the importance of cherishing time with loved ones. The film, which was released in 2019, has garnered international acclaim and won numerous awards.
