In 2024, the “China Travel” trend exploded online, turning the Chinese mainland into a global hotspot 🗺️🚀. Couch critics turned into eager explorers, flooding YouTube, Instagram and TikTok with snapshots of sleek skylines, buzzing markets and scenic rail rides.
British vloggers Reanne and Ben have led the charge with over 40 videos, dropping titles like shocking and unbelievable to capture that 😮 feeling when you witness China’s blend of modern buzz and time-honoured traditions first-hand.
Behind the buzz is real policy power. Over the 14th Five-Year Plan period, the Chinese mainland rolled out a visa-free “circle of friends” 🎉: 47 countries can now enter visa-free, 29 mutual visa-exemption pacts are in place, and 55 nations enjoy a 240-hour transit pass. The result? 13.64 million visa-free visitors in just the first half of 2025 — up 53.9% from last year!
Shopping and selfies just got smoother too. The State Taxation Administration’s instant tax refunds at the checkout mean tourists can enjoy a direct rebate 💸. With over 10,000 refund stores by August, tax-free claims jumped 247.8%, and total sales in refund-eligible goods nearly doubled.
Add in a lightning-fast high-speed rail network 🚄 and ubiquitous digital payments 💳, and it’s easy to see why travellers are calling China Travel a game-changer in global tourism.
This boom is more than a wave of viral videos — it’s a snapshot of the Chinese mainland’s high-level opening-up, inviting the world to explore, engage and fall in love with its dynamic mix of history and innovation. Ready to pack your bags? 🌟
Reference(s):
How the 'China Travel' boom reflects China's high-level opening-up
cgtn.com
