tourism

China’s Wildest Job: College Students Racing to Become Cavemen

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

To attract tourists over the summer, China’s scenic spots hired young people to perform as “cavemen.” Eager to escape daily pressures, thousands of students signed up.

Ding Rui

National Day Splurge: Tourist Spending Hits $99 Billion

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

SIXTH TONE ×

Travelers made 765 million trips over the weeklong holiday, with nontraditional destinations like Datong and Changsha among those reaping the rewards.

The Paper

Adventure Meets Risk as Tourists Flock to Yunnan’s Wild Peaks

Fueled by viral videos, tourists are flocking to Yunnan’s uncharted forests during the National Holiday, prompting safety warnings and fines for entering restricted areas.

Li Xin

Golden Week: Surge in Outbound Travel From Lower-Tier Cities

Travelers from third- and lower-tier cities now account for over 40% of long-distance international trips, with demand for bookings more than doubling.

He Qitong

To Scale Peaks, Chinese Hikers Are Hiring Personal Cheerleaders

University students are turning part-time guides, offering snacks, emotional support, and encouragement to help hikers navigate China’s toughest trails.

Jiang Xinyi

Ye Performs in China for First Time in 16 Years

The rapper’s appearance has stunned music fans across China — and sparked calls for authorities to clear more gigs by international stars.

Li Miaoran

Growing Wild: Why Young China Can’t Get Enough of Mushroom Hunts

Driven by viral social media posts, mushroom foraging has become an adventure craze among young Chinese. Yet as more flock to the forests, concerns over safety and the risks of wild fungi are rising.

Li  Yanshu

Fan Yiying

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

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.

China’s Visa-Free Policies Spark Tourism Spike

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.