China's Lunar New Year holidays got underway with millions hitting the roads, railways and airways, but several others questioning the economic wisdom of a holiday that brings the world's fastest growing economy to a virtual standstill. With vacations still a relatively new concept in China, the New Year break is one of three "Golden Weeks" introduced by the government almost 10 years ago to boost the consumer economy. For the tourism and retail sectors the policy has been hugely successful, but other commentators said the holidays strain the nation's transport system to its limit while shutting down large parts of the country. The government has already held several debates about the possible cancellation of the May and October "Golden Weeks".
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