Core Insights - The National Day holiday revealed a significant polarization in consumer behavior, with overall retail and catering sales increasing by 2.7% year-on-year, while the willingness to spend has decreased among many consumers [1][3]. Consumer Trends - There is a notable increase in cross-regional mobility, with an average of 30.4 million people traveling daily, reflecting a 6.2% year-on-year growth [1][3]. - The travel preferences are diverging, with outbound tourism thriving while county-level tourism is also gaining traction, indicating a dual trend in consumer spending [3][4]. - Young people are becoming the primary demographic for holiday travel, while older individuals tend to avoid peak travel times [9][10][11]. Entertainment Consumption - The entertainment sector is experiencing a shift, with live performances gaining popularity while the movie market is declining. During the holiday, live performance attendance increased by 39.5% year-on-year, while movie attendance dropped by 4% [6][7]. - The average ticket price for live performances is significantly higher than that of movies, which may explain the shift in consumer preference towards experiences that offer greater emotional value [6][8]. Economic Context - Domestic consumption is increasingly vital for economic growth, especially amid uncertainties in real estate and external trade [3][14]. - Despite a record number of travelers during the holiday, the average spending per person decreased by 12.84% compared to the previous year, indicating a potential concern for future consumer spending [19][20]. - The total expenditure for domestic travel reached approximately 809 billion yuan, a 15.3% increase year-on-year, but this growth is attributed to the increase in traveler numbers rather than higher per capita spending [19]. Future Outlook - The overall consumer price index has shown a decline of 0.3% from January to August compared to the previous year, suggesting ongoing challenges in consumer spending [13][14]. - The importance of consumer spending is underscored by the need for both financial resources and leisure time, with the National Day holiday serving as a critical indicator of consumer sentiment and spending trends [12][16].