"The growth is in line with our estimate ranging between 8.3 to 8.5 percent for April. It is still a stable growth and the inflationary pressure will gradually ease in the coming months," said Li Maoyu, an analyst with Changjiang Securities.

　　Tao Dong, a Credit Suisse economist, shared that view but cautioned about price increases in the non-food sector.

　　"We believe the CPI is likely to moderate over the next few months, as food inflation can be curbed by a higher base and improved pork supplies. However, we are cautious about non-food inflation fueled by wage hikes in the medium term," Tao said.