Mainland tourists are seen with luxury brand shopping bags in Hong Kong, China, May 17, 2011.[Photo/IC] |
In the first five months, retail sales were up 10.2 percent year on year, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.
Urban consumers accounted for the lion's share of the increase though rural consumer spending climbed faster than their urban peers.
Online sales in the first five months rose 27.7 percent year on year.
Retail sales have contributed significantly to China's economic growth as the country shifts from an export-driven economy to a consumer society.