Consumption is the “main engine” driving economic growth and the “ballast stone” stabilizing economic operations. In the first quarter of this year, Anhui Province’s consumer market sales continued to rise: the total retail sales of consumer goods across the province achieved a year-on-year growth of 5.8%.

Reporters learned from the Anhui Branch of the People’s Bank of China, Anhui currently supports major international payment methods such as Visa, MasterCard, and PayPal. A total of 20,300 key merchants across the province can accept foreign cards. In the first quarter, there were 17,400 foreign card transactions province-wide, totaling about 29.43 million yuan.

“Traveling in Anhui” is becoming increasingly popular overseas. During this year’s May Day holiday, the number of foreign tourists entering via Hefei port surged by a staggering 464% compared to the same period last year. This remarkable growth benefits from the “240-hour visa-free transit” policy and is closely linked to convenient payment options.

Relying on the deep integration of “payment + culture & tourism,” Huangshan Scenic Area has become the nation’s first “internationally friendly scenic spot.” Core tourist sites such as Tunxi Old Street and Hongcun Village have achieved full coverage of foreign card POS machines, QR code payments, and pocket money exchange sites, supporting diverse payment methods including cards, codes, and cash. Tunxi International Airport has established a payment service center for overseas visitors, offering 10 foreign currency exchange services and mobile payment card-binding guidance, providing international tourists with a seamless payment experience.

A relevant official from the Anhui Branch of the People’s Bank of China introduced that, so far, the province has established 14 payment service demonstration zones, including Hefei Xinqiao International Airport Payment Service Demonstration Zone and Huangshan Tunxi Old Street Overseas Visitor Payment Service Demonstration Business District. There are 62 specialized payment convenience outlets for overseas visitors. By the end of March, a total of 89,600 bank accounts have been opened for overseas personnel entering China (including those from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan).

How does innovation in payment services stimulate consumption vitality? This is evident in the practice of consumer goods trade-in programs.

Through a coordinated “finance + banking + platform” approach, Anhui Province precisely distributes consumption vouchers in multiple livelihood-related scenarios such as retail, dining, and accommodation. Leveraging policies for “trade-in” of consumer goods like automobiles, home appliances, and digital products, the province has launched various stacked subsidies and incentives, accelerating the market’s recovery.

Data shows that in the first quarter, government-bank cooperation issued 1.337 billion yuan in trade-in subsidies, driving sales of 8.008 billion yuan, with a leverage effect of 6.0. This covers 6,410 merchants including supermarkets, gas stations, public transport, scenic spots, restaurants, and car dealerships. Mobile payment transactions reached 1.145 billion transactions totaling 560 million yuan, up 39.06% and 15.26% year-on-year, respectively, effectively activating the “dual engines” of large-scale consumption and livelihood consumption. The total retail sales of consumer goods in the province grew by 5.8% year-on-year.

Source: Anhui Daily