China's service sector bounces back as epidemic wanes

BEIJING - As the COVID-19 epidemic has waned in China, few new cases and more spending-stimulating policies have encouraged more consumers to visit shops and restaurants.

Chinese health authority said Tuesday that no new domestically transmitted COVID-19 cases were reported on the mainland Monday. Beijing cleared all its domestically transmitted cases as the last patient was cured and discharged from hospital on Monday.

"It greatly boosted our confidence to go out," said Shi Ying, a 34-year-old Beijing resident. She said she would dine out with friends using coupons given out on Saturday after having meals at home for months.

Beijing launched a consumer event and offered coupons worth 12.2 billion yuan (about $1.7 billion) on Saturday to spur consumption. The event will run through the National Day holiday in October, with over 400 activities covering areas including catering, retail, culture, tourism, education and sports.

The first batch of coupons are available at e-commerce giant JD.com. They can be used at participating restaurants and retailers in Beijing as well as for snapping up smart products online.

Shi said she will use the coupons to buy an air conditioner and a TV set for her apartment.

Shanghai kicked off a night festival on Saturday to boost the city's night economy. A number of bars, museums, bookstores and shopping malls joined the festival with extended business hours and activities like night tours, shopping, dining, reading and live shows.