Traveling to neighboring scenic spots became quite popular during the recent mid-autumn festival, which has become known as one of China's "little golden weeks". An accompanying surge in consumer spending during the festival also delighted store owners.

The Guangzhou Daily reported that, according to the statistics from some travel agencies, more than eighty percent of travelers within the province choose to take short trips closer to home rather than heading off to more distant locations.

However, those popular local destinations had to endure increased pressures on traffic and environment. An insider disclosed that the new vacation plan has not in fact achieved the anticipated goal which is to relieve the huge pressure on domestic tourist attractions during longer holidays.

Compared to travel, Beijing residents preferred to go shopping during the 3-day vocation, as evident in increased sales revenues. The Beijing Evening News reported that sales during this festival increased by thirty percent as compared with the Dragon Boat Festival.

The four "little golden weeks" are all three day holidays, including New Year's festival, Tomb-Sweeping Day, the Dragon Boat Festival and the mid-autumn festival.

(CRI September 17, 2008)