"Eleventh" Chinese People Collectively Cry Poor, Everyone Online Shouts About Lack of Money!

"Eleventh" Chinese People Collectively Cry Poor, Everyone Online Shouts About Lack of Money! (Video)

[People News] Hello, friends and audience, welcome to "Hotspot Frontline." I am Xiao Kun.

Today is September 30th in mainland China, and in just one day, the "Eleventh" long holiday will officially begin. With the holiday approaching, are you feeling the urge to go out and have some fun? Wait a moment. Before you head out, there’s one very important thing to do—open your banking app and check your balance.

Recently, many netizens in mainland China have started sharing their "Eleventh travel funds" online. The results are both amusing and a bit heartbreaking.

One netizen shared their bank balance: 2.5 yuan! They then seriously asked, "Given my current financial situation, where would be suitable for travel during the Eleventh?"

Another netizen has already planned the itinerary: Day one in the living room, day two in the bedroom, day three in the kitchen, day four on the balcony, and day five in the community downstairs. If they haven’t spent recklessly in the first few days, they can even arrange a "luxury project" on the sixth day—visiting the vegetable market.

This year during the "Eleventh," it seems that mainland netizens have turned the concept of "not having money to travel" into an art form. Some have remarked: "I protect my two-digit savings with a six-digit password." Others, upon hearing that "going out to travel during the Eleventh can stimulate consumption," immediately responded: It’s not that I’m unwilling to spend; first, let me have some money in my pocket!

"What I lack is not stimulation; what I lack is money!" "I am a disadvantaged group, not a mentally challenged group." Listening to all this is just a collection of jokes. But why are these statements particularly likely to go viral this year?

Many people laugh and then check their bank balance—oh, I laughed too soon; it turns out they were talking about me.

This year, consumer spending in China remains relatively weak. According to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics of China, the total retail sales of consumer goods increased by only 1.1% year-on-year in the first eight months of this year, with a mere 0.4% increase in August alone.

Now, let’s consider the youth. In August, the unemployment rate for young people aged 16 to 24 in China, excluding students, rose to 18.9%, while for those aged 25 to 29, it reached 7.5%. This is just the official data; many believe the actual figures could be more than double that. So when we hear the phrase 'go out during the National Day holiday to stimulate consumption,' it’s no wonder some people ask: what are we stimulating?

Furthermore, going out to enjoy the National Day holiday means that life must continue when you return. Every expense is waiting in line behind. Indeed. After traveling, while social media posts may be vibrant, the bank account might be drained. Ultimately, many people are not completely avoiding spending; rather, before making any purchase, they will think twice: is this money really worth it?

There is also another group of people. The reason they choose not to go out during the National Day holiday is: why should I spend unnecessarily at this time?

What is the scene like during the Golden Week in mainland China every year? Highways are congested, navigation systems are lit up in red; popular tourist attractions have queues lasting several hours, and after finally squeezing in—one can’t see the mountains clearly, nor the water. The clearest view is of the back of the head of the person in front.

You initially wanted to capture a photo of 'Me and the Great Mountains and Rivers.' However, the final result might end up being - me alongside the backs of three thousand strangers. Some have criticized: where is the travel in this? It’s merely spending money to contribute to the crowd at tourist spots.

During the 'National Day' holiday, hotel prices soar, dining requires long waits, and even using the restroom involves queuing, while highways are congested. Money is spent freely, frustrations abound, and the scenery may not even be enjoyed. Consequently, some individuals have come to a clear conclusion: if I don’t have money, I won’t go out; if I do have money, I might not choose to go out during 'National Day.' Why should I spend a significant amount to cram myself into a crowd after finally managing to take a few days off?

This year's 'National Day' also presents a noteworthy phenomenon. While there may be many people, a large crowd does not necessarily indicate that everyone is willing to spend money.

Although the demand for travel during the Golden Week remains high, in the context of weak consumption and low income expectations, many are beginning to prioritize cost-effectiveness. Save wherever possible. Opt for cheaper hotels; some even bring their own tents, check for group buying options for meals; and if they can bring their own water, they will. If entrance tickets to tourist attractions are too pricey, snapping a photo at the entrance might suffice as 'having been there.' Previously, outings were all about: buy, buy, buy! Now, it seems to be gradually shifting to: look, look, look!

This is the most intriguing aspect of this year's National Day. While tourist attractions may still be bustling, a closer look at everyone’s wallets reveals they are being held tightly.

So this year, should we go out or not?

Earlier, we discussed the risks posed by heavy rain, mountain floods, landslides, and earthquakes in various regions this year, which have made traveling quite stressful. Now, as I check my bank balance and think about the traffic jams on highways, the long lines at tourist spots, and the throngs of people... I suddenly realize that home doesn’t seem so bad after all. A day trip in the living room—no traffic. A half-day trip on the balcony—no admission fee. An in-depth exploration of the kitchen—I can even choose my own meals. And when I open the fridge—wow, it’s like a buffet.

For many, the issue isn’t just a call to 'hurry up and spend,' but rather the need for a more stable job, a reliable income, and the assurance that after spending today’s money, there’s no need to worry about tomorrow. So, this National Day, are you planning to travel? Or are you considering a luxurious in-depth tour of the living room, bedroom, kitchen, and balcony?

I invite friends from the mainland to share in the comments how you plan to spend this National Day. I’m Xiaokun, and I’ll see you next time.
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