Guangzhou Citizens Are Biggest Restaurant Spenders

Citizens in the southern city of Guangzhou spent an average 4,100 yuan, or 580 U.S. dollars, at restaurants last year, far more than diners in other cities in the country.

The revenue of the city's catering industry hit 41.6 billion yuan in 2007, and increased by one fifth over that of the previous year, the Southern Metropolis News reported.

Guangzhou residents spent 20 percent of their income on eating meals outside their homes. The city's per-capita disposable income is 22,500 yuan, according to the report.

Xu Zhihua, a municipal official in charge of economy and trade, told the Southern Metropolis News that the catering industry plays a key role in expanding domestic demand and stimulating consumption in Guangzhou, a city famous for its delicious food.（ CRIENGLISH.com ）