May 20 promotes 'sweat economy' boom

May 20, or "520", whose pronunciation sounds similar to "I love you" in Chinese, has boosted the "sweat economy" boom in China, CCTV reported on Saturday.

Many lovers choose to take wedding photos and hold weddings on May 20, driving economic development in relevant industries.

Lin Xinglin, an independent photographer, said she was relatively busy since May and nearly every day there were newly registered couples and her photography service on May 20 was booked by lovers three months in advance.

Hotel and catering reservation also increased significantly due to the romantic significance of the date and simulated by businesses' diversified offers.

"Our '520' package, which includes hotel, scenic spots, movie and ferris wheel rides, has brought in 260 percent more pre-sold tickets than last year," said Feng Hui, a manager of a business management company in Shenzhen, South China's Guangdong province.

As of May 19, the number of advance hotel bookings nationwide on the "520" day this year increased by four times compared with 2019, the report said, citing data from online travel platform.

It is projected that it will be a peak season for sales and bookings for the wedding industry starting from early May until the National Day holiday in October, according to the industrial insiders.