Singles Day makes splash as e-shopper buys 17m yuan boat

Fiji vacation packages, iPhone Xs and even an Aston Martin powerboat: These were some of the things shoppers bought on this year's Singles Day on Saturday.

Such purchases give a glimpse into how Chinese consumers are shifting from bagging a bargain on everyday merchandise to scooping up higher-priced, higher-quality goods and experiences on the biggest event on the world's retail calendar.

The promotional event is growing in size, variety and sophistication as technology improves services. Sales topped 100 million yuan ($15 million) for each of 167 merchants using platforms of internet behemoth Alibaba Group, and shoppers plunked down just over $1 billion an hour during the daylong discount gala.