China’s Wellness Explosion 

By Thierry Malleret, economist

Few would dispute that China has a unique ability to play the long game and to mobilize the required resources accordingly, whether that’s related to trade or wellness policies. Last March, during the 14th National People’s Congress, the National Health Commission announced the launch of a three-year campaign called the “Healthy China 2030” plan to promote healthy lifestyles and prevent chronic diseases associated with poor diet and lifestyle habits. 

The progress in terms of attitude is already noticeable, particularly among the members of the fast-expanding middle class who are embracing wellness practices as a way of life. 

Like everywhere else in the world, a rise in disposable income tends to result in a larger proportion of it being spent on healthier living and on experiences rather than goods. Therefore, all the common wellness offerings are gaining traction, whether it’s a membership to a gym or fitness studio, trips to wellness retreats, or the purchase of health-tracking wearables. 

This dramatic wellness expansion in a multitude of directions will benefit China first and foremost, but it will also have an impact on the foreign countries visited by roughly 150 million Chinese. This year they’ll spend an aggregate amount that could reach $250 billion, a rising proportion of which is now being spent on wellness-focused travel.