tourism

Walking Around a City Is China’s Golden Week Travel Trend 

Timely reports on issues and events from across China. Drawing on a vast range of sources, these succinct articles provide insights into the significance of each issue in a wider context.

NEWS

Some young Chinese are rejecting jam-packed holidays in favor of more leisurely strolls around town.

Ye Zhanhang

Old Markets, New Appeal: Young Chinese Rediscover Wet Markets

Amid renewed interest, wet markets in China are evolving too, merging modern amenities with traditional charm to cater to younger, experience-driven tourists.

Fan Yiying

As Golden Week Starts, Chinese Turn Homes into Tourist Stays

With hotel prices soaring, some residents are offering affordable alternatives on social media platforms. This comes amid a surge in travel, with nearly 800 million trips expected over the next week.

Yang Caini

Chinese Backlash Over Nuclear Wastewater Continues With Travel to Japan 

Japan was set to benefit from the return of Chinese tour groups to the country after years of pandemic restrictions. Now, holidaymakers are choosing other destinations instead, according to several travel agencies.

Jiang Zuer

CCTV Report Sparks Outcry Over Heritage Preservation in Gansu

An investigative report exposed inadequate oversight in preserving Ming and Qing dynasty buildings; local authorities announce probe.

Li Xin

Amid Surge in Massage Chairs, China’s Travelers Feel the Squeeze

In response to public outcry over crowded waiting areas, authorities have now limited massage chairs to 20% of total seating in railway stations.

For Chinese Parents, Even Vacations Are Opportunities For Learning 

Parents are taking the old Chinese saying of ‘traveling thousands of miles is better than reading thousands of books’ very seriously.

Beijing Cracks Down on Forbidden City Scalpers, 6 Agencies Suspended

At the country’s most popular tourist destinations, scalpers have been taking advantage of high summer demand to make a quick buck.

He Qitong

Amid Uproar, Trip.com Pulls Plug on Women-Only Train Compartments 

While the new service has garnered attention among Chinese travelers, it has also sparked controversy over gender equality implications.

Yang Keyi

China’s Youth Are Hooked on a New Outdoor Sport: Lure Fishing

Also known as water golf, this fishing technique is drawing in youngsters with its hands-on approach, with anglers having to mimic movements to entice aggressive fish.

Ding Rui

As China’s Top Campuses Reopen, a Frenzy for Limited Visiting Slots 

With scalpers emerging to sell slots at inflated prices, genuine visitors are turning to social media and searching for tips and strategies on how to secure reservations for university visits.

Journalists Not Welcome: Yunnan Travel Agencies Bar ‘Sensitive Occupations’

Criticized for their high-pressure tactics to get clients to make purchases, travel agencies in Yunnan province are barring journalists from taking their tours to suppress negative coverage.

In Gansu, Climate Change Threatens China’s Ancient Silk Road Relics

As experts investigate the impact of extreme weather, new research reveals significant deterioration to cave paintings and artifacts in the UNESCO-listed Mogao Caves due to unprecedented rainfall.

Hostels in China Set Upper Age Limit for Guests, Spark Debate

With hostels in several cities refusing guests above the age of 35, many on social media said the move amounted to discrimination against this demographic.

For Young Chinese, 2023 Is the Year of the ‘Drifter’

Articles that cut to the core of contemporary China. In-depth, informed, and carefully crafted, every piece is carried by the voices of the story’s participants.

FEATURES

Fed up with the grind of urban life, young Chinese are embracing the art of “drifting” — living hand-to-mouth while roaming the country aimlessly.

Li Wei

Ni Dandan

As Travel Resumes, WeChat, Alipay to Support Foreign Bank Cards

To register on such apps and use mobile payments in China, foreign travelers previously had to set up a Chinese bank account or have a local phone number.

Russia Hoped for a Chinese Tourist Boom in 2023. It’s Still Waiting.

In Russia, many believed that China’s exit from “zero-COVID” restrictions would provide a shot in the arm to the country’s flatlining inbound tourism sector. Those hopes are now fading.

Li Pasha

Chinese Climbers Scale Everest, Tragedy and Daring Rescue Ensue

At least 11 international climbers have perished in their attempt to the top of the world so far in 2023.

Bali Deaths Ruled Murder-Suicide, But Questions Remain 

Flight prices to the resort island are falling as Chinese travelers grow increasingly wary of the region following high-profile incidents that have dominated social media.

Mysterious Deaths of 2 Chinese Tourists in Bali Raise Alarm

People in China have been shocked by the graphic details of the deaths. Local police are still investigating the cause.