Core Insights - The recent consumption activities in Anyue during the 2025 May Day holiday challenge the perception that county-level consumption lacks vitality, showcasing significant sales figures and crowded shopping areas [1][5] Group 1: Sales Performance - Anyue's supermarket achieved sales of 6.42 million yuan, while the trade-in program generated 7 million yuan in transactions, indicating robust consumer engagement [1] - On May 2, the home appliance trade-in orders exceeded 200, demonstrating a strong demand for upgrading household items [3] Group 2: Consumer Behavior - Consumers in county areas are willing to spend but prefer transparency in pricing, as evidenced by the impact of government subsidies on purchasing decisions [5] - The combination of promotional strategies tailored to different age groups has led to a 40% year-on-year increase in sales during the holiday period [5] Group 3: Night Economy - The night market in Anyue saw a surge in activity, with over thirty creative stalls emerging, indicating a shift in consumer behavior towards evening shopping [6] - The digital experience center attracted long queues, highlighting the growing interest in interactive and immersive experiences among families [6] Group 4: Cultural Events - The "Crayfish Beer Festival" attracted significant crowds, with the demand for food exceeding supply, showcasing the local culinary culture's appeal [3] - The integration of traditional culture with modern technology at the Anyue Stone Carving Digital Exhibition Center resulted in impressive sales of cultural products, reaching 50,000 yuan in a single day [3] Group 5: Economic Resilience - The data from Anyue's Business Bureau reflects a vibrant local economy, with various consumer stories illustrating the emotional and social aspects of spending [6][7] - The collective experiences of consumers during the holiday period highlight the sustainable consumption vitality rooted in everyday life [7]

Core Insights - The domestic tourism market in China shows robust vitality during the recent May Day holiday, with 314 million domestic trips taken, representing a 6.4% increase year-on-year, and total spending reaching 180.27 billion yuan, up 8.0% from the previous year [1] Group 1: Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure - The self-driving traveler did not encounter the widely reported charging difficulties, as 98% of highway service areas are equipped with charging stations, with numbers ranging from four to over ten [1] - In areas like Inner Mongolia and Shanxi, while charging stations are less frequent, unique experiences were noted, such as charging stations located next to gas stations and even hidden within hospitals [3] Group 2: Culinary Exploration - The traveler relied on apps like Xiaohongshu and Dazhong Dianping for food recommendations, discovering unique local dishes such as "Iron Hat Roast Meat" in Hohhot and "Stewed Fish" in Tokto County, which highlight the local culinary diversity [3][5] Group 3: Accommodation Experience - The quality of county-level hotels varied significantly, with chain hotels being rare and decor styles being diverse; some hotels had poor sound insulation and slow water heating, while others offered surprising amenities [5] Group 4: Outdoor Activities - Outdoor sports like tennis are popular in Hohhot and Datong, with easy access to both professional and public facilities, while smaller counties like Tokto have limited outdoor sports options, favoring simpler leisure activities [6] Group 5: Morning Exercise Culture - The morning exercise culture varies across counties, with Hohhot and Datong showing active participation in morning exercises, while Tokto appears quieter, indicating different lifestyle habits among residents [8] Group 6: Overall Market Insights - The self-driving trip provided insights into the diversity and potential of county-level consumption in China, showcasing the unique charm and opportunities within the county market [8]

Core Viewpoint - County-level consumption is emerging as a new driving force for domestic demand and economic growth in China, supported by government initiatives to enhance consumption infrastructure and services [1][2]. Group 1: Current State of County-Level Consumption - The county-level consumption market is characterized by its large scale, diverse layers, multiple scenarios, and a wide age range of consumers [1]. - From 2023 to March 2025, a total of 2,628 comprehensive commercial service centers in county towns, 13,391 commercial centers in towns, and 138,000 convenience stores in villages are planned for construction and renovation [1]. - Rural consumption of retail goods increased by 4.6% year-on-year in the first two months of this year, outpacing urban growth by 0.8 percentage points, marking 38 consecutive months of higher growth in rural retail sales compared to urban areas [1]. Group 2: Challenges Facing County-Level Consumption - Infrastructure issues such as inadequate transportation and logistics hinder efficient online consumption and product circulation [2]. - There are concerns regarding market order, with some merchants lacking integrity and product quality being inconsistent, leading to consumer hesitance [2]. - The consumption landscape is relatively homogeneous, lacking large commercial complexes and high-quality entertainment venues to meet diverse consumer needs [2]. Group 3: Recommendations for Improvement - Enhance commercial facilities in counties by scientifically planning and upgrading shopping streets and centers to create integrated commercial hubs that cater to diverse consumer needs [2]. - Increase investment in county-level logistics distribution centers to improve warehousing, sorting, and transportation functions, thereby enhancing logistics efficiency [3]. - Local governments should implement supportive policies, such as tax reductions and financial subsidies for businesses involved in commercial and logistics infrastructure development, to stimulate participation and drive county-level economic growth [3].