Visitors crowd Hangzhou's iconic West Lake. [Photo/WeChat account: hzfbwx]

Hangzhou's consumer market stayed steady and robust during the five-day May Day holiday from May 1 to 5, driven by policy support and new retail momentum.

From April 30 to May 4, the city recorded 148.51 billion yuan ($21.8 billion) in total consumption, up 6.2 percent year-on-year, according to the Hangzhou municipal bureau of commerce. Retail sales reached 115.08 billion yuan, up 7.44 percent, while catering consumption surged 14.56 percent.

A major growth driver was the continued rollout of the trade-in old-for-new policy, boosting demand for vehicles, home appliances, and 3C digital products. In Xiaoshan district alone, major automakers generated 170 million yuan in sales, with new energy vehicles from brands like Tesla, Li Auto, and Zeekr leading growth.

Meanwhile, first store and first exhibition launches accelerated retail upgrades. The opening of the Hangzhou Center and multiple debut exhibitions helped lift core business districts — including Wulin, Hubin, and Qianjiang New City — to 18.63 billion yuan in combined sales, up 63.42 percent from last year.

From tech retail and exhibitions to cultural consumption and smart dining, new scenarios continued to reshape Hangzhou's holiday economy.

A street at Tangqi ancient town in Linping district. [Photo/WeChat account: hzfbwx]