The leisure industry which was a largely unknown concept in China just a few years ago has now become a commonplace and popular topic this year. Leisure, vacation and consumption have become hot topics of conversation that have attracted the attention of both the government as well as ordinary citizens.

Following the increase in consumption groups comprising mainly urban citizens, China's leisure industry has been flourishing rapidly. According to statistics from China's National Tourism Administration, as a major representative of the leisure industry, China's domestic tourism industry recorded 1.2 billion in tourist volume and 768.6 billion yuan in total tourism revenue in 2005. Because the tourism industry is a significant impulse to consumption and economic growth, 24 Chinese provinces have taken the tourism industry as a pillar industry, leading industry or advantageous industry.

The leisure industry refers to the industry that is closely related to people's leisure lifestyle, leisure activities and leisure requirements, including primarily the economic forms and industry systems such as the entertainment, tourism, service, culture and sports industries and the industry groups that are generated from such industries.

Statistics show that when per capita GDP reaches US$1,000, the demands for leisure come into being. In 2005, China per capita GDP amounted to US$1,700, which indicated that China has entered the era of phenomenal development of the leisure industry. As many as 110 days of holidays further stimulates those with spending power and desire to engage in leisure activities.

Editor: Yan