Harbin, the capital city of China’s northernmost Heilongjiang province, will offer electronic consumer coupons worth 200 million yuan ($29.3 million) in the latest move to spur consumption in the wake of the COVID-19 epidemic, according to a decision from the 72nd executive meeting of Harbin’s municipal government.

Officials said that these consumer coupons would apply to a range of businesses and fields, including the automotive industry, department stores (excluding supermarkets), home appliance and communications products, catering and accommodation, as well as the culture and tourism industry.

The consumption coupons are compatible with other discounts from merchants and will be issued in batches, with 100 million yuan in the first round, officials said.

The timing and proportion of the second release will depend on the usage rate of the first round of subsidy funds.

Electronic consumer vouchers will be issued through the Heilongjiang UnionPay mobile app, and the coupons must be procured within the specified time.

Each round of consumer coupons is valid for 10 days. If awarded consumer coupons are not used within the specified period, they will automatically become invalid, and the value will return to the consumer coupon fund pool and enter the next round of issuance.

Meanwhile, the municipal government will cooperate with China’s online travel service provider Ctrip.com to issue 30,000 "Harbin 48 hours" travel cards nationwide.

The cards contain tickets to visit one to three scenic spots for free in Harbin within a 48-hour period, and a coupon to book a hotel room.

The face value of a single card is either 499 yuan, 599 yuan or 699 yuan. Consumers should pay for purchases on Ctrip.com and need to make an appointment in advance to use the Harbin travel card.