Striving to become an international consumption center, Wuxi in East China's Jiangsu province recently announced a series of activities that include issuing 60 million yuan ($8.96 million) of consumption coupons, opening its scenic spots for free and launching a free ride campaign for people taking buses and subways for the upcoming Spring Festival holiday.

As part of the Taihu Shopping Festival, the consumption coupons cover various scenarios such as supermarkets, jewelry stores, home appliances, new energy vehicles, farmers markets, e-commerce platforms and branded restaurants. Those using coupons for shopping can also participate in a lottery activity in which the grand prize is a new energy vehicle. People can get coupons on China UnionPay's app Yunshanfu as 4 million yuan will be issued at 10 am every day from Jan 21 to Jan 26.

Major e-commerce platforms launched Chinese New Year sales promotion activities enabling people to shop online with Alibaba offering 1 billion yuan in discounts.

Wuxi has also launched measures such as transportation subsidies and digital RMB red envelopes to retain employees in Wuxi for the upcoming Chinese New Year holiday. Coupons of 500,000 free subway rides have been sent to migrant workers staying in Wuxi. Besides, people can ride the subway or buses for free during the 7-day holiday from Jan 21 to Jan 27.

A total of 49 scenic spots in the city will open for free from Jan 21 to Feb 5 while popular scenic areas of Lingshan Mountain, Nianhuawan and Three Kingdoms and Water Margin Theme Park will offer 3,000 free admissions every day.

Various events will be held across Wuxi to celebrate China's biggest holiday. Cultural venues such as the former residence of Donglin Academy, Wuxi Library and Wuxi Museum will stage festive events and exhibitions.

On Jan 21, the eve of Chinese New Year, a launch ceremony themed around "Enjoy traveling in Wuxi in the Year of the Rabbit" as well as a drone and fireworks show will be held at Lingshan Mountain Scenic Area.

On Jan 26, a Chinese fashion trend festival will kick off at Huishan Ancient Town where visitors can enjoy a lion dance performance, a colorful lantern show, amazing dances and an interactive activity of making Huishan clay figurines.

The Lantern Festival falls on Feb 5 this year and people can admire beautiful lanterns, solve riddles and experience folk customs at a carnival event in Nanchang Street.