Beijing's service sector recorded an added value of 3.5 trillion yuan ($490 billion) in 2022, while service consumption accounted for 54.7% of total consumption, marking a 3.3 percentage point increase compared to 2019, according to a press conference held by the Information Office of Beijing Municipal People’s Government on Wednesday.

This growth is a testament to the city's efforts in optimizing its business environment, enhancing consumption's role in bolstering economic growth, and positioning itself as a global consumption center, an initiative launched in July 2021.

Progress can be attributed to various factors, including its thriving first-store economy, abundant cultural and tourism resources, and the burgeoning winter sports market.

Notably, 3,322 first stores by both international and domestic brands have been established since 2019. Beijing has also revitalized traditional commercial zones like Wangfujin, Dashilan, and Sanlitun through strategic urban planning.

Key indicators pointing to Beijing's transformation into a global consumption center have notably increased. The city is home to 54 Top 500 companies and boasts seven world cultural heritage sites, outranking all other cities globally. Its global influence has also expanded, with 217 multinational companies establishing their headquarters in the city, and 18 international sports competitions taking place in 2022.

Beijing offers 161 four-star and above hotels, 1,044 departure tax refund shops, and stands out as the most convenient city for transport in China.

Furthermore, the city is witnessing a boom in cultural tourism as it intensifies efforts to highlight the rich cultural resources along its Central Axis. The city has launched over 200 themed tour routes to meet growing demand and established 4,965 homestays in its rural areas.

As a dual-Olympic city, Beijing leverages its Olympic legacy, providing high-quality sports facilities to the public. So far, six Winter Olympic venues in the city have opened to the public and received more than a million visits. International winter sports competitions like the ISU World Cup Speed Skating will also return to the city this year.

As sports facilities continue to improve in the city, people's participation in sports activities has seen a noticeable surge. Since 2019, Beijing has launched about 28,000 fitness programs, attracting over 26 million participants.

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