Nantong will launch a series of promotional activities to stimulate consumption and mitigate downward pressures brought about by the novel coronavirus outbreak, local media reported on April 2.

The activities will be hosted by the Nantong municipal government and organized by the city's commerce and finance bureaus, federation of trade union, Nantong branch of the People's Bank of China and the Jiangsu branch of China UnionPay.

Electronic coupons worth a total of 20 million yuan ($2.83 million) will be issued in installments through the China UnionPay app, which are valid at nearly 10,000 local catering businesses. Meanwhile, consumers can still enjoy other discounts offered by the businesses themselves.

A shopping gala will run from April to June, during which local shopping malls, supermarkets, commercial complexes and electronics appliance retailers will provide a variety of promotions. At the same time, the catering sector will also take measures to improve their services with high-quality food and fair prices.

A fair featuring time-honored brands and intangible cultural heritage items will be held in mid-May, with more than 50 firms taking part, and a series of livestreams will be launched to promote the products.

An auto show will also be staged at the city's Zhongnan Sports Conference and Exhibition Center from May 1 to 4. Some 95 percent of local auto dealers will take part in the event, with more than 60 auto brands.