Leisure in Urban China: General patterns based on a nationwide survey

This paper examines national-level leisure time availability and participation patterns among urban residents of China. The findings show that Mainland Chinese enjoy relatively little leisure time and that strong contrasts exist in regional distribution of free time availability. People of all ages, genders, and incomes show a general preference for passive/media and other home-based activities while displaying low participation rates in exercise. Regional comparisons show that residents of the Northeast are busiest and engage most frequently in home-based activities while people in the West have more leisure time and engage in social activities most frequently. Differences in leisure time availability and leisure participation based on gender, age and income are also explored.