China Steps into the "Recreation Era"

　　Before the 1990's, recreation was only an old word lying inside a thick dictionary. People would mention it sometimes, but seldom got a chance to enjoy it, especially during the time when the problems of food and clothing were not solved. Hence, recreation was a luxury for Chinese people up to the 1990's.

　　However, since the introduction of the reform and opening-up policy, there was a significant improvement in Chinese people's living standards, which naturally led toe the changes in the philosophy and lifestyle of Chinese people.

　　Recreation came into vogue in China in the 1990s. In 1995, China introduced the concept of the "two-day weekend"; by the end of the last century, the May Day (May 1), Chinese National Day (October 1) and Spring Festival (New Year's Day based on the Chinese lunar calendar ) were extended to 7 days each.

　　Since then, Chinese people have enjoyed a total of 114 legal days off a year. With people having one-third of a year off, recreation came into the people's life unconsciously.

　　  Travel Dominates Leisure Time

　　How do Chinese people use this free time? An investigation shows that 46.46% of the people prefer first and foremost to during their holidays. Tourism is becoming a fashionable way for China's urban residents to spend their leisure time.

　　During the "golden weeks (referring to the three weeklong holidays)," all of China is like a recreation paradise. Tourists pour into holiday resorts inside and beyond the Great Wall and upstream and downstream major rivers. The hotel room occupancy rate reaches or even surpasses 100%, while trains and planes are completely filled.

　　The consumption upsurge that appears in the golden weeks brings enormous profits to scenic travel spots, commerce, transportation, civil aviation, transportation, hotels, and amusement services. According to statistics by the national tourism department, the number of Chinese people who traveled at home rose from 240 million in 1989 to 780 million by 2001. It is obvious that such a large number of people traveling will inevitably stimulate prosperity in related industries.