Xie Lindong and Ye Yimin, holding a picture of themselves enjoying crayfish as kids 18 years ago, participate in the 23rd Xuyi International Crayfish Festival in Huai'an City, Jiangsu Province, June 13, 2023. (CFP Photo)

In the first half of the year, the per capita consumption expenditure of residents in Jiangsu increased by 9.1% year-on-year to 16,689 yuan, ranking fourth among China's 31 province-level regions, according to the province's Department of Statistics on July 30.

The total retail sales of consumer goods during the first six months expanded by 10%. The per capita consumption expenditure of urban and rural residents reached 19,254 yuan and 11,419 yuan, respectively, up 8.0% and 12.2% year-on-year. In addition, 60.0% expressed their willingness to increase consumption, 1.9 percentage points higher than in 2022.

Specifically, the per capita consumption expenditure on food, tobacco and alcohol was 5,032 yuan, up 7.2% year-on-year, while spending on clothing and living hit 952 yuan and 4,576 yuan, respectively, representing a year-on-year growth of 2.0% and 5.8%.

In addition, Jiangsu witnessed a steady recovery of its tourism industry in the six months. The province's tourism revenue grew by more than 80% while the number of domestic and foreign tourists surged by 98.3%. Meanwhile, travel agencies and related service-providers registered a growth of 148.6% year-on-year.

The strong recovery of the cultural and tourism market also led to rapid growth in accommodation and catering sectors, with their revenues soaring by 30.3% and 18.8%, respectively.