Golden-week holiday makes quite an impact on China's economic growth

China introduced three annual vacations called "Golden Weeks" in 1999, which include Spring Festival early in the year, Labour Day holiday in May and National holiday in October.The purpose was to boom the domestic economy after the great impact of the Asian financial crisis in the 90s. Because during these vacations, people could take a rest, do shopping and travel, this could help boost consumption, which is a relative weak engine compared with exports and investment.

This recommendation really plays an important role in China economy. For example, this year, the revenue of Chinese airline reached 2.94 billion yuan over the National Day holiday. During the same period, the railways made 1.48 billion yuan revenue from passenger transportation. Transport earnings up during China's National Day holiday


This reform has a good influence on the economy these years. However, there is no longer an urgent need to continue this implemention as China has been seen four consecutive years of double-digit economic growth, moreover, the traffic and environment burden during golden week are very serious.

On the National Day holiday this year, the number of passengers travelling by road and train hit 363 million, almost 110 percent as much as that in last year. Railways added extra trains to meet the increasing demand. Highways were congested and more buses were used on the roads. Airlines were filled with travellers. People feel uncomfortable when they were in the traffic jam and just saw travellers on hot scenic spots. And there are masses of complaints and appeals from domestic residents.

China is considering whether to cancel one of three gold-week holidays in order to ease the traffic and environment burden. A survey conducted this year by Chinese mainland shows more than half of the 3000 participants agreed that "some reforms should be taken" . Previous articles said the Dragon Boat Festival and the Middle Autumn Festival may be listed as holidays, and people could have two days off work. Report: China may cut one golden-week holiday -- china.org.cn

China government has to make a balance in this issue and resolve the conflict of interestes from communities, consumers, and businessmen as well.