China's retail sales hit 320 billion yuan (42 billion U.S. dollars) during the May Day holidays, up 15.5 percent from the same period last year, according to the Ministry of Commerce.

The ministry said liquid crystal TV sets, jewelry, digital cameras, and fashion clothes were among the bestsellers.

Its survey shows jewelry sales at shopping malls nationwide jumped up to 170 percent and clothes sales up to 127 percent.

The retail sales were boosted as more richer Chinese travel, gather for family reunions, buy more books, and learn driving during the seven-day holiday known as the "golden week".

The survey also shows that revenues of the catering sector jumped 17 percent.

China has three "golden weeks" each year, which take place at Spring Festival, the May 1 International Labor Day and the October 1 National Day.

The Chinese government launched "golden weeks" in 1999, hoping the long holidays would encourage people to spend more money and help boost economic growth. (one U.S. dollar equals 7.7055 yuan)

Source: Xinhua