China readies for Lunar New Year, amid worries about the economy

BEIJING, Jan 24 (Reuters) - Travellers thronged railway stations and airports on Friday, clutching large suitcases and gifts such as boxes of fruit as they joined millions of Chinese returning to their hometowns to celebrate the Lunar New Year festival with family.

The holiday, China's biggest, this year falls between Jan. 28-Feb. 4 and marks the arrival of the Year of the Snake.

The festivities usually give a boost to businesses such as shops, cinemas and restaurants as families enjoy time together feasting and shopping.

Authorities are especially keen for people to open their wallets this year to boost the sluggish economy, and have increased the official holiday period from seven days to eight.

Official efforts to revive weak consumption also include promoting winter-themed holiday destinations and ensuring affordable airfares throughout the country, authorities said on Friday at a State Council press conference in Beijing.

But businesses and travellers Reuters spoke to said they were seeing signs that people were continuing to tighten their belts in the face of a prolonged property slump and worries about job security.

A Beijing-based sales professional named Liu, who was at a railway station in the Chinese capital preparing to return to his hometown in the northeast, said concerns about the economy and employment were widespread.

"It's become even more difficult to earn money and find a job. There are many more unemployed peop...
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