[Photo/China Daily]

The eastern coastal city of Qingdao, Shandong province will distribute 10 million yuan ($1.55 million) in consumption coupons from Feb 11 to 28 through the UnionPay app as part of its efforts to encourage people to stay put during this year's Spring Festival holiday to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and boost consumption during the holiday.

Locals and migrant workers who spend the upcoming Spring Festival in Qingdao are eligible for the coupons, which involve more than 5,000 stores, including department stores, supermarkets, convenience stores, and restaurants.

An random reduction in consumption fees will also be available for the city's 100,000 small and medium-sized micro merchants through online payments.

According to local officials, the city's large shopping malls and commercial complexes will operate regularly during the holiday period, while measures will be strengthened to guarantee ample market supply during the festival and ensure reasonable prices.

The Lunar New Year, which falls on Feb 12 this year, is the most important festival for Chinese families. This year, however, people have been encouraged not to travel during the annual Spring Festival holiday in order to stem the spread of COVID-19.