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Dual Circulation and Population Mobility during the Pandemic in China

Author

Listed:
  • Lee, Wang-Sheng

    (Monash University)

  • Tran, Trang My

    (Monash University)

  • Yu, Lamont Bo

    (University of Macau)

Abstract

We use high-frequency data from location-based mobile phone records to measure domestic air travel patterns of the Chinese population during the Covid-19 pandemic. The travel and tourism industry is a key driver of China's domestic economy and data from this industry helps serve as an objective proxy for domestic economic activity during the pandemic. Our results show that except for some periods of intense mobility restrictions, relative to travel patterns in 2019, mobility in fact increased in China from mid-2020 onwards. This increase in domestic air travel is likely due to a combination of factors: China's control and management of the Delta variant, China's new "dual circulation" development paradigm, and a pent-up demand for international travel that is not permitted.

Suggested Citation

  • Lee, Wang-Sheng & Tran, Trang My & Yu, Lamont Bo, 2022. "Dual Circulation and Population Mobility during the Pandemic in China," IZA Discussion Papers 15269, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp15269
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    China; COVID-19; dual circulation; mobile phone data; mobility;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C31 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Cross-Sectional Models; Spatial Models; Treatment Effect Models; Quantile Regressions; Social Interaction Models
    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
    • R11 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Regional Economic Activity: Growth, Development, Environmental Issues, and Changes
    • R41 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Transportation Economics - - - Transportation: Demand, Supply, and Congestion; Travel Time; Safety and Accidents; Transportation Noise

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