The glow of night markets, the interactive performances of costumed characters at scenic spots, and the hum of AI-powered robots in modern kitchens—these vibrant details of daily life hold the key to understanding China's economic vitality. According to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics, the national economy remained broadly stable and continued to improve in quality during the first seven months of this year. Total retail sales of consumer goods and services grew by 2.6% year-on-year, while the services production index rose by 4.7%. Behind these figures lies not just cold statistics, but a dynamic energy woven from the threads of consumption upgrades, technological innovation, and cultural renewal, found in the streets and alleys across the country.

For many, the pulse of the economy is felt in everyday activities—sharing a meal, taking a trip, or making a purchase. Consumption has evolved far beyond the simple transaction of buying and selling. The nighttime economy is now illuminating cities, with 60% of urban consumption occurring after dark and average per-capita spending in the evening reaching three times that of daytime hours. Since July, searches for terms like “summer retreat,” “cooling off,” and “night tours” on the Qunar travel platform have surged by 230% month-on-month. Immersive night performances, light shows, stargazing study tours, and traditional town night markets have become essential summer activities, transforming the glow of a thousand lights into tangible consumer spending.

Similarly, the tourism sector is responding to a deeper emotional need among the public. The trend of “emotional tourism” is gaining momentum, with travelers increasingly seeking relaxation and healing experiences rather than just visiting iconic landmarks. This shift is nurturing a new, trillion-yuan market. At the Wansuishan Wuxia City in Kaifeng, Henan Province, costumed performers have turned visitors from passive onlookers into active participants in the story, with engaged tourists staying an average of 2.3 hours longer. Meanwhile, the “Discover Treasure Shandong: Follow the Performances to Travel” summer promotional campaign has cleverly integrated cultural elements into every aspect of the travel experience—accommodation, dining, transportation, sightseeing, shopping, and entertainment—bringing art and culture directly into the fabric of everyday life. The consumer mindset has shifted from seeking pure value for money to seeking value for the heart, and the public's aspiration for a better life has become the most solid foundation for domestic demand.

Behind this vibrant atmosphere, cutting-edge technology is quietly supporting daily routines. AI has stepped out of the laboratory and into ordinary homes. Sales of AI-powered window-cleaning robots have jumped 113% year-on-year, as consumers now purchase these devices to solve real-life problems rather than out of simple curiosity. From affordable AI devices entering common households to significant price reductions for large-scale models, the benefits of technology are dismantling the once prohibitive cost barriers. Artificial intelligence is shedding its luxury image and becoming a standard consumer good. The “new three items” are making waves in overseas markets, but China's exports have moved beyond simple product shipments. Robots, AI solutions, and innovative pharmaceuticals now export algorithms, comprehensive solutions, and services that require continuous iteration, delivering locally refined technological expertise to the global market. Major industrial breakthroughs ultimately aim to improve people's lives; it is this grounding of high-tech in daily reality that provides the upward momentum for our everyday existence.

The resilience found in this everyday vitality also stems from the “living revival” of traditional culture. No longer confined to static museum displays, traditional culture is stepping out into the world and integrating into our clothing, food, housing, and transportation. On Chengdu's public buses, actors portraying the poets Li Bai and Du Fu travel through the city's streets, transforming public transit into a moving cultural theater. Films are driving tourism to their shooting locations, with a single production boosting the entire chain of travel, cultural products, and dining. In the first half of the year, revenue for cultural enterprises above a designated size grew by 4.6% year-on-year, while the revenue for new cultural business formats increased by 9.6%. Digital technology continues to empower the cultural industry, allowing ancient cultural heritage to break new ground and reach wider audiences through modern platforms. Young people from abroad are also exploring China firsthand, drawn by the “Chinamaxxing” trend, and through the vibrant street life, they gain a true and multi-faceted understanding of the country. This cross-cultural exchange, rooted in the simplicity of daily life, serves as the best bridge for mutual learning between civilizations.

Of course, this lively scene also presents challenges for growth. The industry of costumed performers faces issues of homogeneity and needs better protections for its workers. Some cultural tourism projects find it easier to become an overnight sensation than to sustain their popularity. The “first-store economy” must now move beyond competing on quantity and focus on the quality of its offerings. These real-world issues remind us that economic vitality should not be mistaken for a short-term traffic frenzy. To achieve lasting success, we must stay rooted in genuine needs and refine the quality of what we supply.

The resilience of an economy is never an abstract or distant concept. It is found in the rising smoke of night markets, in the ease of a home where AI appliances lend a helping hand, and in the smiles of visitors immersed in cultural experiences. The “broadly stable and improving” economic performance of the first seven months is a picture painted by the countless choices of ordinary people in their daily lives. As long as the vibrancy of everyday life continues to thrive and new drivers of growth keep emerging, the Chinese economy will possess the strongest foundation for a secure and prosperous future.