Chongqing- Chongqing's total retail sales of consumer goods reached 1,396.77 billion yuan (approx. 219.43 billion U.S. dollars) in 2021, up 18.5% year-on-year, with six percentage points growth rate higher than the national average, ranking the third among all provinces in China, according to the Chongqing Municipal Commission of Commerce on 10th February.

Behind the impressive figures lies the endeavor of Chongqing.

Guided by the construction of an international consumer center city, Chongqing has taken multiple measures to improve the quality, expand the consumption scale, and promote the city's consumer market picking up steady growth.

This involves the deep integration of business, tourism, culture, and sports to create the distinctive, functional consumption scene with rich formats, providing an important carrier to accelerate the construction of an international consumption center city, revealed a spokesperson for the Chongqing Municipal Commission of Commerce.

169 first shops of internationally renowned brands opened in 2021

Taking the construction of international consumption hubs as an example, in 2021, Chongqing accelerated the process of turning Jiefangbei-Chaotianmen and Guanyinqiao into world-renowned business circles.

The agglomeration effect of international consumer resources has further emerged, and the popularity of business districts ranks among the top in China.

Meanwhile, Chongqing developed the first-store economy and introduced 169 first shops of internationally renowned brands throughout 2021.

The concept of the first-store economy is about factors behind opening the first of many stores that can boost local consumption. The first store of a well-known brand or chain operating elsewhere stimulates local people's desires and demands.

Bayu consumer distinctive zone

Another example, Chongqing further enriched the Influencer-style new landmarks and scenes of the consumer industry, including the Changjiahui Shopping Park, the Ring Shopping Park, Jinsha Paradise Walk, and Chongqing Liangjiang International Cooperation Center, to push for the development of the Bayu consumer distinctive zone, enhancing the attractions of consumption.

Meanwhile, Chongqing has upgraded traditional blocks, such as Ciqikou Ancient Town, Hongya Cave, and Danzishi Old Street, to create a consumer scene with unique Bayu cultural characteristics.

In addition, Chongqing has actively promoted "riverside economy" and "cloud economy" based on tourism, leisure, and entertainment, and launched Hengtian Ferris Wheel with Raffles City Chongqing and other diversified consumption landmarks.

Hengtian Ferris Wheel, a leisure and entertainment place to enjoy views, is located at the Crystal Corridor of Raffles City Chongqing at an altitude of 250 meters. 

In addition, Chongqing has further enhanced the attractiveness of consumption and stimulated the vitality of the consumer market through initiatives such as building up events, branding the night-time economy, and digital empowerment.

Nearly 700 thematic activities

In 2021, Chongqing held nearly 700 thematic activities such as the 6th Chongqing Culture and Tourism Public-Benefit Consumption Season, and more than 1,000 special promotion activities such as the China-Chic Coffee Culture Festival, creating a strong atmosphere for all people to enjoy consumption and benefit from consumption, helping the rebound of the market and consumption.

(Shi Jiaqi, as an intern, also contributed to this report.)