Consumption gives a new face to urban development

China's economy is changing in ways that conventional indicators only partly capture. In the first half of 2026, services value accounted for 59.5 percent of GDP, while per capita services made up 49.1 percent of household consumption expenditure.

These figures suggest that Chinese consumers are moving beyond buying more goods to seeking higher-quality services, richer experiences and a higher quality of life.

This change is visible across major cities. Cafés have increasingly become workplaces and meeting spots. Markets and restaurants draw evening crowds. Concerts, sporting events and nighttime businesses keep urban districts lively long after sunset.