Almost half of China’s 1.4 billion population spend less than US$150 a year on leisure activities

While the growing affluence of China’s vast population is welcomed across global markets, a new report has revealed that almost half of the nation’s 1.4 billion people spend less than US$150 a year on leisure activities.
According to the survey by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and the Tencent Literature and Travel Industry Research Institute, China’s average annual leisure spending was 5,647 yuan (US$863) this year.
As reported by the South China Morning Post, of the 12,000 people contacted by the joint nationwide survey, 22.7% said they spent between 1,001 yuan and 3,000 yuan per year on leisure, 10% from 3,001 yuan to 5,000 yuan, 11.1% from 5,001 yuan to 10,000 yuan and 11.8%more than 10,000 yuan.
Some 4.1% of respondents said they spent nothing on leisure, while 3.4% said they spent over 40,000 yuan.
Last week, China’s commerce ministry reiterated that the government will focus on domestic consumption next year.
The first meeting chaired by the new minister Wang Wentao stressed the importance of the domestic market, a key element of the new dual circulation strategy.
In May, Premier Li Keqiang said that China had 600 million people with a monthly income of 1,000 yuan (US$140), stoking ongoing debate about China’s wealth gap as over 40% of its 1.4 billion people are still living on a daily income of less than US$5.
At the start of December, President Xi Jinping declared victory in China’s fight against poverty, claiming nearly 100 million people had been lifted out of extreme material deprivation after eight years of struggle.
Poverty in China is defined as an annual cash income of about 4,000 yuan (US$611), but critics have long argued the threshold is too low.
However, due to its severe income inequality, rich Chinese families are leading the world in travel spending worldwide.
Image: The cliff top swing at China's Wansheng Ordovician Theme Park.
Related Articles
21st December 2020 - Chinese amusement trade exhibitions look forward to 2021
13th October 2020 - Manchester United reveal ‘Theatre of Dreams’ brand for entertainment centres across China
18th September 2020 - Beijing Culture and Tourism to hold online forum addressing China’s capital’s response to international tourism
18th August 2020 - Chinese entertainment and ticketing platform reports 90% fall in revenue for first six months of 2020
17th August 2020 - Coronavirus drives $11.7 billion fall in domestic tourism spending
10th July 2020 - China bans international sporting events until 2021
25th May 2020 - Organisers report progress of venues for China’s next National Games
22nd April 2020 - FIBO CHINA 2020 suspended to prevent spread of COVID-19
24th January 2020 - Coronavirus sees cancellation of major events and closure of attractions in China
2nd September 2019 - Chinese Government looks at new initiatives to decentralise sports industries
5th August 2019 - Reports chart ongoing growth of Chinese theme parks
3rd May 2019 - Global sports sponsorship spending set to reach US$65 billion this year
29th May 2018 - Dubai spends US$42.5 billion on mega projects ahead of Expo 2020
21st November 2016 - Chinese theme park guests demand convenience
21st June 2016 - Chinese professional sports market to reach US$242 billion by 2025
12th January 2015 - Yas Mall brings new retail and entertainment experiences to Abu Dhabi
17th August 2009 - 70% of Chinese theme parks ‘in the red’
Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?
As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.
supplier directory
The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.
The Jump Pad
The Jump Pad is a safe, flat inflatable made in a variety of sizes which can be used indoor or outdoor. From 3mx3m up to a whopping 9mx21m. Markets include Indoor and outdoor playgrounds, schools,…
read moreFun Wheels Pty Ltd
Fun Wheels Pty Ltd are the premium dealer in Australasia for the Dutch company BERG’s commercial and domestic products. Our flagship product is their revolutionary pedal go-kart – the…
read morePlayRope
Playrope Aqua-Fun, are the Australian & New Zealand exclusive distributors for Vortex Aquatic Structures International, the world leader in aquatic playgrounds and urban water landscapes.…
read moreAAC
Welcome to AAC – makers of the world’s best wristbands, lanyards, tickets, tokens and full-service print solutions. We are Australia’s premier global manufacturer and supplier of…
read moreGymMaster
Contact: Australia: (+61) 1800 849 001 New Zealand: (+64) 3 668 5727 International: (+1) 415 915 0375
read moreSportEng
ABOUT SPORTENG specialises in the Planning, Design and Construction inspection of Fields of Play for all sports. Blending engineering with the specialist knowledge gained from working closely with…
read moreBioLab Australia Pty Ltd
BioGuard is Australia and New Zealand’s most trusted supplier of premium, innovative and affordable commercial water treatment systems and chemicals. BioGuard offers a comprehensive range of…
read moreget listed with our suppliers directory
Get your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!