Chongqing — As China's National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holidays approach, Chongqing is preparing to roll out an expansive program of holiday activities that will transform the city into a stage for commerce, culture, tourism, and sports.

New commercial landmarks are enhancing the festive season with innovative spaces. The newly opened Ring Garden City will feature a 20-meter "world tree" installation and the popular toy brand Labubu, both set to attract strong holiday crowds.

High-profile international events will also be part of the celebrations. The Jiefangbei International Consumption Festival will present 23 brand debuts, including the Southwest China debut of Vera Wang Bride, and the first regional exhibition of Tension Archive.

In the Yuzhong District of Chongqing, tourists are carrying luggage in Jiefangbei. (Photo/Visual Chongqing)

The Yuzhong District has introduced multilingual guides for tax refund procedures and shopping recommendations to make the city more welcoming to international visitors. With 89 designated tax refund stores and 40 instant-refund outlets across a variety of sectors, inbound travelers can expect a seamless and convenient shopping experience. 

Starting October 1, Ant International will add further incentives by offering overseas visitors digital coupon packages worth 120 yuan, accessible through six overseas e-wallets, including AlipayHK.

Sports will also boost the festive spirit, with over 50 major competitions across the city. The 2025 Chongqing City Football League, or "Yuchao," will hold 11 matches in districts including Wanzhou, Fuling, Changshou, Qijiang, Wulong, and Kaizhou, promising to excite local fans and heighten holiday celebrations.

Beyond competitions, Chongqing’s varied landscapes and vibrant sports culture provide rich outdoor leisure options. The city features over 30 national-level sports tourism routes, scenic spots, and facilities for hiking, water sports, aviation, winter sports, camping, and motorsports.

Signature attractions include the Black Mountain Valley in Wansheng and Nantian Lake in Fengdu—both designated national sports tourism demonstration bases—along with boutique sports routes in Wulong, Nanchuan, and Shizhu. Auto camping sites in Bishan, Pengshui, and Wuxi and aviation bases in Beibei, Liangping, and Yongchuan complete a multidimensional outdoor network for holidaymakers.

Organized by the Chongqing Municipal Commission of Commerce in coordination with the Chongqing Municipal Commission of Culture and Tourism Development, the Chongqing Municipal Sports Bureau, and 38 districts and counties, the campaign will include more than 350 events. With consumer discounts totaling over 300 million yuan (about 41 million U.S. dollars), the initiative is designed to enhance the holiday experience for residents and visitors.

The program highlights Chongqing’s rise as an international consumption center city. With new retail concepts, cultural exchange events, and enhanced services for overseas visitors, the city is embracing a global outlook and positioning itself as a center for international trends and diverse cultures.