During the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday, data shows that among the top 5 cities in national consumption amounts, Chongqing ranked first in both WeChat Pay transaction volume and number of transactions, surpassing Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen to become the “double champion” of this long holiday.

The report indicates that from October 1st to 5th, when ranked by WeChat Pay consumption amounts, among the top 20 cities, 13 emerging first-tier cities including Chongqing, Chengdu, and Suzhou were “leading the way” alongside Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen.

What did users across different regions prefer doing during the holiday? According to WeChat search data, users in Chongqing and Chengdu most frequently searched for keywords like “mahjong,” “hiking,” and “biking,” enjoying a “slow-paced vacation.”

Regarding inbound tourism, WeChat is becoming a new tool for foreign tourists visiting China to deeply experience the country. Previous summer data showed that overseas users using WeChat Pay to link international bank cards for consumption within China saw a significant increase in transaction numbers compared to last year, with transaction numbers in Chongqing and Chengdu doubling compared to the previous year.

Chongqing

Chongqing is a major city in southwestern China, strategically located at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers. Historically, it served as the provisional capital of China during the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945). Today, it is a sprawling megacity and a key economic hub, famous for its mountainous terrain, hot pot cuisine, and foggy weather.

Beijing

Beijing is the capital of China, with a history spanning over three millennia, serving as the political and cultural center for numerous Chinese dynasties, including the Ming and Qing. It is renowned for its unparalleled historical and cultural sites, such as the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, and a section of the Great Wall. Today, Beijing stands as a global metropolis that seamlessly blends its ancient imperial heritage with modern architecture and rapid urban development.

Shanghai

Shanghai is a major global financial hub and the largest city in China, located on the country’s eastern coast at the mouth of the Yangtze River. Its history transformed from a small fishing village into a treaty port after the First Opium War, leading to an era of international concessions and rapid development. Today, it is famous for its iconic skyline, including the Bund’s historic buildings and the modern skyscrapers of Pudong’s Lujiazui district.

Guangzhou

Guangzhou is a major port city in southern China with over 2,200 years of history, famously serving as a starting point of the Maritime Silk Road. It was one of the first Chinese cities to engage in foreign trade and remains a vital economic and cultural hub today, known for its modern skyline and historic sites like the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall.

Shenzhen

Shenzhen is a major modern city in Guangdong Province, China, located immediately north of Hong Kong. It was designated as China’s first Special Economic Zone in 1980, transforming from a small market town into a global hub for technology, manufacturing, and finance. This rapid development is often referred to as the “Shenzhen Speed,” making it a symbol of China’s economic reform.

Chengdu

Chengdu is the capital of China’s Sichuan province, with a history dating back over 4,000 years when it was the capital of the ancient Shu Kingdom. It is famously home to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding and is renowned globally for its vibrant food culture, particularly its signature spicy and numbing Sichuan cuisine. The city also boasts significant historical sites like the Jinli Ancient Street and the Wuhou Shrine, which pay homage to its storied past.

Suzhou

Suzhou is a historic city in eastern China renowned for its classical gardens, which date back to the 6th century and are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Often called the “Venice of the East,” the city is famous for its intricate canal systems, stone bridges, and traditional whitewashed houses. Its gardens were created by scholars and merchants as idealized landscapes that harmoniously blend art, nature, and philosophy.