tourism

In China, Drones Are Now Delivering Takeout to the Great Wall

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

The new airdrop service is part of China’s push to quickly develop its “low-altitude economy.”

Ye Zhanhang

Search for Missing Chinese Hiker Ends in Tragedy

The woman from Shanghai went missing three weeks ago during a trek in the Himalayas.

Ding Rui

China’s Visa-Free Policies Spark Tourism Spike

Translations, cross-publications, and collaborative projects from Sixth Tone’s external partners. 

SIXTH TONE ×

Agreements and initiatives that allow citizens from selected countries to enter the mainland visa-free for extended periods have helped fuel a 150% increase in international visitors.

The Paper

Change of Art: Bringing a 1,000-Year-Old Pottery Village Back to Life

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

After decades of decline due to migration, Yaoli Village is being revitalized by a project blending preservation with innovation, drawing on its rich pottery heritage to attract visitors and boost the local economy.

Fan Yiying

As Summer Vacation Begins, Museum Fever Grips China

Chinese museums are experiencing a surge in demand this summer, with tickets selling out days in advance.

Chinese Cities Roll Back Pandemic-Era Tourist Site Ticketing Systems

Since 2020, tourist attractions across China have used online ticketing systems that require real-name registration. But the unpopular policy is finally being scaled back in some areas.

He Qitong

Sound Check: How High Costs Are Silencing China’s Music Festivals

With rising costs, shifting consumer demands, and stricter regulations leading to a wave of music festivals being canceled, festival organizers are struggling to attract price-sensitive audiences while maintaining profitability.

Huang Yang

As Summer Begins, Chinese Travel Market Picks Up Momentum

Travel companies are reporting a surge in bookings for both domestic and outbound trips as the summer peak season gets underway.

Lonely Planet Reaches the End of the Road in China

The travel guide publisher has announced it is shuttering its mainland operations, sparking an outpouring of nostalgia among Chinese millennials.

Li Xin

Blending Sports With Travel, Chinese Fans Set Sights on Paris 2024

With domestic travel platforms offering comprehensive packages, Chinese sports enthusiasts are increasingly combining their passion for athletics with travel plans to Europe for the Paris Olympics.

Zhang Zhen

China’s ‘Small-Town Literature’ Trend Turns Rural Into Retro

An increasing number of travelers are visiting smaller cities and counties across China, hiring photographers to document their experiences. Critics, however, argue that it reinforces negative stereotypes, portraying small towns as stagnant.

Ding Xiaoyan

Can China Protect Its Whales?

Contributions from individuals with unique perspectives to share. Hear from everyone, from experts and commentators to those whose voices are often marginalized.

VOICES & OPINION

Researcher Chen Mo confirmed the existence of China’s only known whale pod in 2018. Now he’s trying to protect them.

Cao Shuyun

People Mountain, People Sea: Labor Day Holiday in Photos

Visual stories that get up close and personal with contemporary China. A mix of short videos, documentaries, photography, and data visualization.

MULTIMEDIA

A selection of photos capturing the recent holiday’s booming, and crowded, tourism sector.

Ding Yining

Pride and Peril in China’s Internet-Famous Cities

Non-traditional tourism destinations like the old industrial city of Zibo have become viral sensations in China. But what happens after their 15 minutes are up?

Sun Yuting

Labor Day Holiday: Surge in Travel to Lower-Tier Cities, Counties

According to the Ministry of Transport, daily holiday travel is expected to exceed 270 million trips, surpassing levels from both 2019 and 2023.

Discovering Shanghai’s Jiangnan Culture Through Ancient Towns

A new book series aims to showcase China’s ancient Jiangnan culture through the relics, structures, and traditional customs that still endure today.

Tongji University  Press

In South China, Tomb Sweeping Holiday Sparks Travel Surge From HK

Data shows that delivery orders from Hong Kong users in the mainland spiked 32-fold over the Easter holiday, with milk tea as the top choice.

In China, the Hottest Travel Accessory Is a Tenured Professor

The country’s latest travel trend is the “study tour” — extended vacations guided by academic experts.

Wu Haiyun

Can City Walks Fix What Ails Chinese Urbanism?

Urbanists were calling for more walkable cities before it was cool. Now they want to leverage the city walk boom to make their vision a reality.

Cai Yineng

Out in the Cold: In Northeast China, a Season of Wild Extremes

In the secluded northern reaches of China, residents navigate winters marked by temperatures that swing from mildly chilly to bone-chilling extremes, affecting everything from daily routines to major holidays.