Chongqing - During the Mid-Autumn Festival, a wave of new Chinese-style consumption is sweeping through Chongqing, while the rising trend of traveling with pets is creating new consumer landscapes. This year's celebrations showcase how tradition and innovation merge, making the holiday more vibrant.

The "Mid-Autumn Creative Moon Art Installation" at Chongqing's Ring Shopping Mall draws a large crowd of citizens. (Photo/Zhou Kai, Xinhua)

The rising popularity of new Chinese-style consumption

On September 15, Chen, a local resident, enjoyed a traditional "pitch-pot" game while waiting for a table at a Chinese restaurant in Chongqing’s Yuzhong District. The restaurant gave her a handcrafted lantern as part of the festive atmosphere. Such scenes are becoming increasingly common as the city embraces a new wave of Chinese-style experiences during the Mid-Autumn Festival.

This year, the festival has seen a surge in demand for traditional crafts. Handicrafts such as rabbit paper cuts and fish lanterns are gaining popularity, with some local markets creating immersive experiences like lantern fairs and Hanfu (traditional Chinese clothing) parades. According to Dianping, a popular Chinese review and rating service provider, the number of notes and reviews related to traditional crafts has risen by nearly 65% since August, signaling a revival of these age-old practices.

Visitors take photos in front of a giant moon installation in Liangjiang New Area, Chongqing. (Photo/Wang Jiaxi, Visual Chongqing)

Similarly, the "new Chinese-style family portraits" trend has become a major hit. A photography studio in Chongqing’s MixC Shopping Mall reported a significant increase in customers coming in for themed family photos. China's e-commerce platform Meituan data shows that searches for such services have grown by 171.4% compared to last year, highlighting the rising appeal of capturing festive moments in a distinctly Chinese style.

Pet-friendly hotels and venues create fresh opportunities

While new Chinese-style activities are capturing local attention, the trend of traveling with pets is also reshaping the Mid-Autumn Festival consumer landscape. Data from platforms like Fliggy and Xiaozhu show that searches for “pet-friendly” accommodations in Chongqing have grown 1.6 times since last month, driven primarily by younger generations.

Many hotels and vacation rentals in the city have quickly adapted to meet this rising demand. For example, a homestay in Chongqing Nanshan Mountain has transformed five rooms into pet-friendly accommodations, offering amenities such as pet bowls, toys, and beds. Hotel chains have also joined the trend, making it easier for pet owners to find suitable lodging. As a result, Chongqing is now ranked among the top five cities in China for pet-friendly hotel bookings.

The rise of pet-friendly shopping malls and restaurants in Chongqing is further evidence of this growing market. Popular spots like Chongqing's Ring and IFS shopping malls have embraced the trend by allowing pets to accompany their owners. Some venues even provide amenities like disposable water bowls and pet strollers to accommodate furry companions. In addition, restaurants such as Shake Shack have designated pet-friendly dining areas, giving customers more flexibility when traveling with their pets.

This shift towards a more pet-inclusive society creates new business opportunities, with the “pet economy” expected to grow. However, some venues struggle with cleanliness and noise complaints, while others face criticism for inadequate pet-friendly facilities. To address these concerns, industry experts suggest establishing clearer standards and guidelines for pet-friendly services.

Many pet owners stroll with their pets in the Ring Shopping Mall, Chongqing. (Photo/Qiu Xiaoya)

Chongqing's Mid-Autumn Festival is evolving, blending traditional Chinese elements with modern consumer preferences. The rise of new Chinese-style consumption and the increasing popularity of pet-friendly travel reflects the city's ability to adapt to changing trends while preserving cultural heritage. As more consumers seek unique and personalized experiences, businesses in Chongqing are poised to tap into these emerging markets, ensuring that the festive spirit continues to thrive in new and exciting ways.

(The Chinese version of this report was contributed by Qiu Xiaoya, a reporter from Chongqing Daily.)