Category: Foreign

By Huan Xiang, Han Liqun, Hu Renba
Altay Prefecture, located in the northwest frontier of China, sits in the northeast part of Ili Kazak autonomous prefecture in the north of Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. It borders Mongolia to the east, Kazakhstan to the west, and Russia to the north.
From the pristine Kanas Lake, hailed as “a pure land on earth,” to the majestic landscapes of Koktokay and to the millennia-old rock paintings that earned Altay its global reputation as the “cradle of skiing,” this land is distinguished by its breathtaking natural beauty and profound cultural heritage.
“Come here, try our kebabs!” called out a man in slightly accented Mandarin. He is Percev Timofei Nikolayevich, affectionately known as Jima, a Kazakh national who now co-owns a barbecue restaurant in Beitun, Altay Prefecture, with his Chinese wife, Guan Xinlan.
Their story began at the Jeminay Port, a long-standing border crossing at the convergence of China, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Mongolia. With over a century of trading history, the port has long served as one of the most accessible gateways for China’s commerce with the three neighboring countries.
Since reopening more than 30 years ago, it has quickly regained its role as a regional trade hub. Spotting the opportunity, Guan opened a small eatery near the port in 2005 and learned Russian to serve foreign customers.
Jima, a long-haul truck driver on the China-Kazakhstan route, soon became her de facto language tutor. Known for his warmth and generosity, he helped Guan learn Russian while also supplying her with specialty ingredients from Kazakhstan. Their relationship blossomed, and the couple married in 2009. Jima chose to settle in Altay, where he now helps run their growing business.
In recent years, improved customs efficiency and a mutual visa exemption agreement between China and Kazakhstan have significantly facilitated cross-border movement. For Jima’s family, the prosperity of the port has laid the foundation for a fulfilling life. The booming popularity of Altay as a cultural and tourism destination has opened new opportunities. In April this year, they relocated their restaurant to Beitun, expanding their reach with signature Russian-style kebabs.
From truck driver to entrepreneur, Jima has made Altay his second home. “Altay is beautiful and well-connected, attracting visitors from neighboring countries and beyond,” he said.
Altay’s mountainous terrain is covered in snow for nearly a quarter of the year. In 2018, China’s National Climate Center recognized Altay as the “Snow Capital of China.” The region’s core ice-and-snow area spans more than 30,000 square kilometers, comparable to the Alps in Europe or the Rockies in North America, making it one of the world’s premier destinations for ski tourism.
In 2005, a herder discovered ancient cave paintings in an Altay valley depicting humans skiing on primitive boards with a single pole in hand to hunt. Confirmed by researchers, these drawings represent the earliest known evidence of human skiing activities, dating back between 10,000 and 20,000 years ago.
At an international seminar on ancient skiing culture held in Altay in January 2015, more than 30 experts from 18 countries, including Norway, Sweden, and Finland, reached a consensus recognizing Altay as the birthplace of human skiing.
Nestled in the Altay Mountains, Altay is often described as “a city built within a ski resort.” Its Jiangjunshan International Ski Resort, just 1.6 kilometers from the city’s central square, holds a national 5S alpine skiing destination. With annual snowfall depth exceeding two meters, its light, fluffy powder snow has earned it the nickname “Asia’s powder snow paradise.”
The resort also reflects the growing internationalization of China’s winter sports. “We’ve seen an increase in foreign visitors in recent years, from tropical countries like Malaysia to traditional winter sports nations such as Russia, South Korea, and Japan,” said Li Xia, head of the Jiangjunshan Mountain Ski Academy.
Altay has rapidly expanded its ski infrastructure in recent years. Apart from major resorts such as the Jiangjunshan and Koktokay international ski resorts, recreational ski facilities have been established in every county. During the most recent snow season, Altay welcomed 1.408 million ski tourists, a 23.37 percent year-on-year increase.
In Altay, traces of early human skiing meet the vibrancy of a modern, international winter sports hub. With snow as a bridge and culture as its core, this borderland continues to foster stories of friendship and connection.

Yang Yanfei, People’s Daily
At 8 p.m. in Longyun village, Yantian township, Anfu county, Ji’an, east China’s Jiangxi province, Li Minggui reclined in his rocking chair after a long day, chatting with his wife about the rice harvest.
Li is the head of the Yantian comprehensive agricultural service center. While most parts of Jiangxi are racing to complete the double-cropping rice season, hilly villages like Longyun began harvesting their single-cropping rice in early September.
As the couple spoke, Li’s phone rang. “Hello, this is from Walou village in Xukeng township. I got your number through the Ganjitong farm machinery dispatch system. Do you have time tomorrow? The weather looks good for drying grain,” said a farmer on the line.
“No problem, but the dew is heavy in the morning, so you have to wait until 9 a.m. I’ll send our veteran, Min Lixiang, to lead the team,” Li replied.
At 3 p.m. the next day, Min and his team had wrapped up work in Walou village and were already operating their harvester in Tuqiao village, also in Yantian. The machine roared through the paddies, pulling in golden stalks of rice with each pass.
On the edge of the field, Min carefully maneuvered the machine, adjusting angles to sweep up even stray stalks with precision. Watching closely, Li gave him a thumbs-up: “Min’s got real skills. He keeps losses to a minimum. Farmers from all around ask for him during harvest.”
“We can always count on Min,” said local farmer Zhou Hailiang with a grin. “Yields look solid this year, around 700 kilograms per mu (about 467 kilograms per hectare).”
“I signed up for full-service farm management this season. Li has been guiding me through every step,” Zhou added, gesturing toward Li.
“With the Ganjitong app, farmers can order services just like takeout, from seedling cultivation and plowing to transplanting, pest control, harvesting, and drying,” Li explained. He keeps over 300 farmers’ contacts on his phone and handles dozens of requests daily. The center’s five harvesters have been running full tilt since the season began.
Anfu county has established several such agricultural service centers, offering integrated, one-stop solutions that cover the entire cycle from seed to harvest.
As one of Jiangxi’s major grain-producing counties, Anfu manages roughly 880,000 mu (around 58,700 hectares) of cultivated land. The combination of full-service centers and digital, on-demand platforms has given local farmers more flexibility and peace of mind.
According to Ouyang Suqin, head of the agricultural machinery division at the county’s rural vitalization service center, data from the Ganjitong system is integrated into a county-wide smart agriculture platform that manages more than 500 pieces of farm machinery. During peak harvest periods, centralized dispatch has boosted efficiency by over 30 percent and halved the average waiting time for farmers.
That evening, Li’s phone rang again. “According to the county platform, all of Yantian’s machines are booked, but Guashe township has already finished harvesting and has idle equipment. You can redeploy them,” Ouyang informed Li.
“The system gives us real-time access to machine availability across the entire county, allowing us to allocate resources where they’re most needed,” Li said.
As night fell, harvesters returned one after another to the service center’s garage. Squatting beside a harvester, Li wiped down the blades carefully. “Rice takes half a year to grow. If we put in a little more care, the farmers will see a better return,” he noted.

By Huan Xiang, Han Liqun, Hu Renba
Altay Prefecture, located in the northwest frontier of China, sits in the northeast part of Ili Kazak autonomous prefecture in the north of Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. It borders Mongolia to the east, Kazakhstan to the west, and Russia to the north.
From the pristine Kanas Lake, hailed as “a pure land on earth,” to the majestic landscapes of Koktokay and to the millennia-old rock paintings that earned Altay its global reputation as the “cradle of skiing,” this land is distinguished by its breathtaking natural beauty and profound cultural heritage.
“Come here, try our kebabs!” called out a man in slightly accented Mandarin. He is Percev Timofei Nikolayevich, affectionately known as Jima, a Kazakh national who now co-owns a barbecue restaurant in Beitun, Altay Prefecture, with his Chinese wife, Guan Xinlan.
Their story began at the Jeminay Port, a long-standing border crossing at the convergence of China, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Mongolia. With over a century of trading history, the port has long served as one of the most accessible gateways for China’s commerce with the three neighboring countries.
Since reopening more than 30 years ago, it has quickly regained its role as a regional trade hub. Spotting the opportunity, Guan opened a small eatery near the port in 2005 and learned Russian to serve foreign customers.
Jima, a long-haul truck driver on the China-Kazakhstan route, soon became her de facto language tutor. Known for his warmth and generosity, he helped Guan learn Russian while also supplying her with specialty ingredients from Kazakhstan. Their relationship blossomed, and the couple married in 2009. Jima chose to settle in Altay, where he now helps run their growing business.
In recent years, improved customs efficiency and a mutual visa exemption agreement between China and Kazakhstan have significantly facilitated cross-border movement. For Jima’s family, the prosperity of the port has laid the foundation for a fulfilling life. The booming popularity of Altay as a cultural and tourism destination has opened new opportunities. In April this year, they relocated their restaurant to Beitun, expanding their reach with signature Russian-style kebabs.
From truck driver to entrepreneur, Jima has made Altay his second home. “Altay is beautiful and well-connected, attracting visitors from neighboring countries and beyond,” he said.
Altay’s mountainous terrain is covered in snow for nearly a quarter of the year. In 2018, China’s National Climate Center recognized Altay as the “Snow Capital of China.” The region’s core ice-and-snow area spans more than 30,000 square kilometers, comparable to the Alps in Europe or the Rockies in North America, making it one of the world’s premier destinations for ski tourism.
In 2005, a herder discovered ancient cave paintings in an Altay valley depicting humans skiing on primitive boards with a single pole in hand to hunt. Confirmed by researchers, these drawings represent the earliest known evidence of human skiing activities, dating back between 10,000 and 20,000 years ago.
At an international seminar on ancient skiing culture held in Altay in January 2015, more than 30 experts from 18 countries, including Norway, Sweden, and Finland, reached a consensus recognizing Altay as the birthplace of human skiing.
Nestled in the Altay Mountains, Altay is often described as “a city built within a ski resort.” Its Jiangjunshan International Ski Resort, just 1.6 kilometers from the city’s central square, holds a national 5S alpine skiing destination. With annual snowfall depth exceeding two meters, its light, fluffy powder snow has earned it the nickname “Asia’s powder snow paradise.”
The resort also reflects the growing internationalization of China’s winter sports. “We’ve seen an increase in foreign visitors in recent years, from tropical countries like Malaysia to traditional winter sports nations such as Russia, South Korea, and Japan,” said Li Xia, head of the Jiangjunshan Mountain Ski Academy.
Altay has rapidly expanded its ski infrastructure in recent years. Apart from major resorts such as the Jiangjunshan and Koktokay international ski resorts, recreational ski facilities have been established in every county. During the most recent snow season, Altay welcomed 1.408 million ski tourists, a 23.37 percent year-on-year increase.
In Altay, traces of early human skiing meet the vibrancy of a modern, international winter sports hub. With snow as a bridge and culture as its core, this borderland continues to foster stories of friendship and connection.

By Han Xin, People’s Daily
China’s logistics sector is showing renewed vitality, with recent data highlighting its role in sustaining economic momentum.
According to the latest figures, the country’s e-commerce logistics index reached 112.3 points in August, marking six consecutive months of growth and reaching its highest level this year.
Meanwhile, China’s total social logistics value surpassed 360 trillion yuan ($50.46 trillion) in 2024, a historic high that reaffirms the country’s position as the world’s largest logistics market for the ninth consecutive year. That sustained expansion, even at such a scale, reflects underlying economic resilience.
Often referred to as the “nervous system” of the real economy, modern logistics serves as a critical link between production and consumption. The latest figures suggest a shift not just in scale, but in quality, highlighting an industry transitioning from rapid expansion to more efficient, value-driven growth. The trend points to deeper structural changes and continued resilience in the Chinese economy.
A look at consumption trends reveals significant shifts between online and offline activities.
From January to August this year, China’s online retail sales approached 10 trillion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 9.6 percent, outpacing overall retail sales growth. This upward trend, supported by policies promoting product trade-ins and surging consumer demand, is driving sustained expansion in e-commerce logistics. Every package ordered and delivered speaks to increasing consumer confidence and the growing depth of China’s digital economy.
Service consumption has continued to rise this year, along with spending on development-oriented and enjoyment-oriented products, signaling continued consumption upgrading. With strong policy support and the advantage of a vast domestic market, China is poised to unlock further potential in diversified and stratified consumer demand.
Beyond consumption, logistics activity also reveals the trajectory of industrial transformation and upgrading. Last year, logistics volumes in traditional sectors such as chemicals, cement and steel declined, while high-tech products such as integrated circuits, optoelectronic devices and smart robots maintained double-digit growth, emerging as new drivers of industrial logistics.
The divergence between decline and growth underscores China’s shift toward higher value-added industries. As the country’s industrial system moves further up the value chain, embracing advanced manufacturing and intelligent production, a more sophisticated supply structure is reinforcing the long-term stability and growth of the Chinese economy.
Today, China boasts a comprehensive transportation network exceeding 6 million kilometers, an expanding network of logistics hubs, and steady progress in developing international logistics corridors. These improvements are enabling faster, more efficient movement of goods across regions and sectors. Enhanced infrastructure, diversified logistics channels, and integrated transport systems are enabling smoother flows, strengthening the logistics sector’s role as a cornerstone of economic stability.
While physical infrastructure provides the foundation, regulatory reforms and market mechanisms serve as the connective tissue of the logistics system. Recent measures to improve the market-based allocation of production factors have eased bottlenecks in economic circulation. Efforts to curb disorderly price competition are helping to safeguard fair market conditions, while streamlined channels for selling export-oriented products in the domestic market are accelerating the integration of domestic and foreign trade. These reforms are reducing logistics costs, boosting industrial competitiveness, and improving the efficiency of national economic flows, reinforcing the steady momentum of China’s economy.
Looking ahead, China is well-positioned to build a more robust, responsive, and efficient modern logistics system that bridges supply and demand, links domestic and international markets, and balances security and efficiency. This logistics backbone will continue to support the smooth operation and sustainable growth of the Chinese economy.

By Wan Xiubin, Zhang Tengyang, People’s Daily
Digital technologies are increasingly embedded across Xiong’an New Area, north China’s Hebei province. From autonomous delivery vehicles navigating city streets, to sensors monitoring underground utility corridors, and to massive data processing at the Xiong’an Urban Computing Center, the city is advancing a coordinated program of digital infrastructure, innovation platforms, and smart applications to improve urban operations and public services.
Some 20 meters below ground in Rongdong area of Xiong’an New Area, an integrated utility corridor houses nearly 10,000 devices spanning more than 20 categories, collecting real-time data on pipeline pressure, temperature, and other indicators.
Three-dimensional information modeling supports planning approvals by checking land-use boundaries and floor-area ratios and, during construction, enables collision detection for underground pipelines, said Ma Yongjun, head of the operations of the infrastructure construction company of China Xiong’an Group.
Every building, road, and pipeline in Xiong’an has a corresponding digital model. “Planning and building the digital city in tandem with the physical city, combined with precise sensing, enables more refined, accurate, and intelligent governance,” explained Liu Xin, general manager of China Xiong’an Group Digital City Technology Co., Ltd. To date, Xiong’an has completed over 500 kilometers of digital roads and deployed more than 5,600 5G base stations.
Citywide data capabilities are anchored by full IPv6 enablement across terminals, systems, and websites, expanding address capacity, improving traceability, and strengthening data security. The Xiong’an Urban Computing Center, built on advanced cloud computing architecture with ultra-large-scale storage, has accumulated more than 33 billion data records and supports complex analytics for government services, urban planning, and ecological monitoring.
An expanding innovation ecosystem is unlocking digital-economy potential. Xiong’an has established more than 10 major innovation and industry platforms, including a sci-tech innovation center and an AI industrial park, catalyzing high-end digital industries. Projects in intelligent hardware such as servers, robotics, BeiDou navigation modules, and cybersecurity are scaling up. The area has attracted more than 500 software and information-service companies and over 60 key AI enterprises, forming a comprehensive ecosystem for smart-city technologies and large-scale application rollout.
Benefits are visible in daily life. At the Rongdong administrative committee’s urban operations center, an alert was triggered when an elderly resident’s smart water and gas meters showed no expected activity; a community worker arrived within five minutes and provided timely assistance. “Smart meters for water, gas, and heating are connected via the Internet of Things, enabling remote readings and real-time monitoring of household consumption,” said Zhao Chenglong, Party head of Dongxili community in Rongdong area.
Beyond community services, smart applications are advancing in governance, environmental protection, low-altitude airspace management, transport, and energy. Earlier this year, the city integrated the DeepSeek AI model into the computing center and launched two smart government-service assistants, accelerating information queries and administrative processing. Dozens of intelligent applications have been introduced in urban management and public services.
With continuous deployment of new applications and faster conversion of innovation into results, Xiong’an New Area is working to build a new model of urban development, one driven by digital technologies and empowered by intelligence.

By Cui Yan, People’s Daily
Facing mobility challenges recently, I booked a companion service for a hospital visit. The assistant waited patiently, reminded me of my appointment, and efficiently managed the entire process. He clearly explained reimbursement procedures and knew exactly which self-service machines on each floor had shorter lines. This level of professional support significantly enhanced the medical experience.
In today’s China, services such as medical companions, elderly care companions, photography assistants in urban settings, and companions for home renovation supervision are becoming increasingly prevalent. Delivered through market-based and social channels, these services offer accessible, efficient support while relieving clients of the psychological burden of “owing favors.” More importantly, they meet the growing demand for diverse and personalized assistance.
The emergence of the companionship economy reflects profound social shifts. On one hand, high mobility often separates families and friends – some in the north, others in the south; some in cities, others in rural areas – creating frequent scenarios where companionship is needed but unavailable. On the other hand, a new generation of consumers increasingly values emotional well-being and is willing to pay for personalized, professional companionship. This evolving demand, shaped by changing family structures and broader social transformations, underscores the value of market-based solutions.
At present, the companionship economy remains in an early, relatively unregulated stage, with service quality often hinging on individual providers’ personal attributes, sometimes resulting in a “blind box” experience for clients. As a result, there is a growing demand for standardized development to ensure consistency and trust.
Some institutions have begun exploring detailed service standards and operational protocols. The China Association of Social Welfare and Senior Service, together with 21 partner platforms and organizations, has issued standards for elderly medical companion services, covering protocols, safety procedures, and complaint mechanisms.
Some elderly care institutions are piloting full-service standards, supported by digital platforms that enable real-time monitoring and evaluation. These measures aim to enhance service quality, foster a robust ecosystem, and ensure sustainable industry growth.
At its core, companionship is about human interaction. It requires patience, empathy, and emotional attentiveness. One experienced companion, with over a decade of experience in the field, shared that he always carries tissues in his bag “just in case” – a small gesture that speaks to the importance of service details. At the same time, clear boundaries and safeguards around safety and privacy are essential to building trust and unlocking market potential.
As Chinese households become smaller and the population continues to age, the companionship economy is poised for further growth. Whether assisting individuals during times of inconvenience, supporting shared interests, or simply providing meaningful social interaction, these services fulfill both emotional and practical needs.
Ultimately, the rise of the companionship economy reflects Chinese people’s pursuit of a higher quality of life and the agility of social services in adapting to emerging demands. One industry forecast projects that by 2025, the market for companionship services in China will reach 50 billion yuan ($7.01 billion). With growing consumer willingness and capacity to invest in standardized, on-demand support, this emerging sector represents not only a response to social evolution but also an inevitable outcome of market development.

By Cui Yan, People’s Daily
Facing mobility challenges recently, I booked a companion service for a hospital visit. The assistant waited patiently, reminded me of my appointment, and efficiently managed the entire process. He clearly explained reimbursement procedures and knew exactly which self-service machines on each floor had shorter lines. This level of professional support significantly enhanced the medical experience.
In today’s China, services such as medical companions, elderly care companions, photography assistants in urban settings, and companions for home renovation supervision are becoming increasingly prevalent. Delivered through market-based and social channels, these services offer accessible, efficient support while relieving clients of the psychological burden of “owing favors.” More importantly, they meet the growing demand for diverse and personalized assistance.
The emergence of the companionship economy reflects profound social shifts. On one hand, high mobility often separates families and friends – some in the north, others in the south; some in cities, others in rural areas – creating frequent scenarios where companionship is needed but unavailable. On the other hand, a new generation of consumers increasingly values emotional well-being and is willing to pay for personalized, professional companionship. This evolving demand, shaped by changing family structures and broader social transformations, underscores the value of market-based solutions.
At present, the companionship economy remains in an early, relatively unregulated stage, with service quality often hinging on individual providers’ personal attributes, sometimes resulting in a “blind box” experience for clients. As a result, there is a growing demand for standardized development to ensure consistency and trust.
Some institutions have begun exploring detailed service standards and operational protocols. The China Association of Social Welfare and Senior Service, together with 21 partner platforms and organizations, has issued standards for elderly medical companion services, covering protocols, safety procedures, and complaint mechanisms.
Some elderly care institutions are piloting full-service standards, supported by digital platforms that enable real-time monitoring and evaluation. These measures aim to enhance service quality, foster a robust ecosystem, and ensure sustainable industry growth.
At its core, companionship is about human interaction. It requires patience, empathy, and emotional attentiveness. One experienced companion, with over a decade of experience in the field, shared that he always carries tissues in his bag “just in case” – a small gesture that speaks to the importance of service details. At the same time, clear boundaries and safeguards around safety and privacy are essential to building trust and unlocking market potential.
As Chinese households become smaller and the population continues to age, the companionship economy is poised for further growth. Whether assisting individuals during times of inconvenience, supporting shared interests, or simply providing meaningful social interaction, these services fulfill both emotional and practical needs.
Ultimately, the rise of the companionship economy reflects Chinese people’s pursuit of a higher quality of life and the agility of social services in adapting to emerging demands. One industry forecast projects that by 2025, the market for companionship services in China will reach 50 billion yuan ($7.01 billion). With growing consumer willingness and capacity to invest in standardized, on-demand support, this emerging sector represents not only a response to social evolution but also an inevitable outcome of market development.

By Li Shuo, People’s Daily
Every September and October, a seven-week slate of professional tennis tournaments across China has come to be known as the “China Season.” This year, the Tennis Administration Center of China’s General Administration of Sport unveiled a dedicated “China Season” logo, marking a new step in the internationalization of Chinese tennis.
The 2025 China Season kicked off in mid-September in Beijing, Chengdu in Sichuan province, and Hangzhou in Zhejiang province, and will conclude on Nov. 2 in Jiujiang, Jiangxi province and Hong Kong. Nine tournaments, including the Shanghai Masters, Wuhan Open, Ningbo Open, and Guangzhou International Women’s Open, are expected to attract more than one million spectators and generate over 2 billion yuan ($280.42 million) in spending on dining, accommodation, and related services.
“By packaging and promoting nine top-level events in a coordinated way, we can create a brand with broader reach, longer duration, and stronger industry impact, raising the standard of each tournament and enhancing collaboration across China’s tennis value chain,” said Bai Xilin, director of the Tennis Administration Center.
Venues have been upgraded to improve the fan experience. China’s National Tennis Center, venue of the China Open, has installed brand-new seating. The second stadium at the Shanghai Masters has been fitted with a roof. The Wuhan Open has added five new courts, while the Ningbo Open has rebuilt its main grandstand. Demand is robust: on opening day, Shanghai Masters ticket sales reached 40 million yuan, and the China Open’s first-week sales doubled compared with last year.
The nine events offer distinct experiences. The China Open gathers the largest concentration of top stars, while the Shanghai Masters showcases elite men’s competition. Fans seeking a more intimate atmosphere, with closer player interactions, may prefer tournaments in Chengdu, Hangzhou, or Guangzhou.
To meet diverse preferences, organizers have introduced innovative spectator packages. The Hangzhou Open, Chengdu Open, and Shanghai Masters offer themed passes that combine tennis with tourism. The China Open’s interactive-zone tickets include post-match photo opportunities with players. The Shanghai Masters provides cheer-kit bundles and access to meet-and-greet sessions, and the Wuhan Open has launched family passes for parents with children.
Ticket initiatives also reflect social responsibility. The Jiangxi Open is issuing co-branded charity tickets, with a portion of proceeds supporting public-welfare funds. The Guangzhou International Women’s Open is providing complimentary tickets to outstanding young athletes to experience professional competition firsthand.
Cultural, sporting, and tourism activities are increasingly integrated around match days. Fan zones feature sports experiences, cultural showcases, pop-up markets, and intangible cultural heritage performances, creating one-stop destinations that link tennis with entertainment and consumption.
Official merchandise featuring the China Season logo, such as badges, cups, and magnets, will be available for the first time. The Chengdu Open has developed panda-themed and traditional-craft products, such as Shu brocade and embroidery, and bamboo weaving, while the Hangzhou Open is releasing more than 50 licensed items, including its mascot, “Hang Pai Pai.”
Many events now connect tennis tickets with local travel products. China Open tickets can be exchanged for discount vouchers in a Beijing tourism program. The Shanghai Masters bundles tickets with sightseeing along the Suzhou and Huangpu rivers. The Chengdu Open’s “ticket stub program” provides discounts and entry privileges at attractions such as the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Kuanzhai Alley, and Chengdu Wuhou Shrine.
“We’ve also rolled out themed travel routes and player-interaction activities to further integrate culture and tourism with sport,” said a Chengdu Open organizer.
By combining elite competition with cultural experiences and city tourism, the China Season is deepening fan engagement, stimulating consumption, and strengthening the overall brand influence of Chinese tennis.

By Wang Ke, People’s Daily
This summer, China’s cultural and tourism market has seen continued growth, with large crowds visiting attractions across the country. Beneath the surface of this activity, however, a quiet transformation is underway: travel behaviors and mindsets are changing.
Spontaneous, last-minute trips are increasingly giving way to meticulously planned itineraries. The trend of flocking to overcrowded hotspots is waning, replaced by a growing interest in discovering lesser-known destinations. This shift, referred to by netizens as “smart tourism,” not only characterizes this summer’s travel patterns but also signals a broader change in consumer attitudes.
At its core, “smart tourism” is enabled by digital technology. With digital platforms now deeply integrated into cultural and tourism services, travelers benefit from more sophisticated tools, ranging from itinerary planning and price comparisons to service recommendations.
These innovations have significantly shortened the decision-making cycle while enhancing planning quality. Real-time information, such as weather forecasts, crowd density, and hotel reviews, allows travelers to make informed, efficient decisions, creating a more predictable and organized travel experience.
Platform data indicates a noticeable increase in early bookings this summer, with “early-bird” orders rising more than 30 percent year on year. The trend illustrates how digital tools are empowering more precise and deliberate travel planning.
“Smart tourism” also reflects a shift toward rational and experience-driven spending. Travelers today are more focused on value and quality. They are willing to invest in meaningful, high-quality experiences while avoiding unnecessary expenditures. This summer, the market saw growth in bookings, travel distances, and trip durations, with spending increasingly concentrated on activities that enhance the overall experience.
For instance, data from car rental services giant CAR Inc. show that cross-city car rentals rose by 400 percent year on year, reaching record highs. Long-distance rentals exceeding 800 kilometers accounted for more than 30 percent of total bookings, up nearly 40 percent from last year. Many county-level destinations have emerged as new highlights for road trips, underscoring the principle behind smart tourism: prioritizing enriching experiences and maximizing value.
This evolution is driven by the alignment of supply and demand. On the demand side, a more mature consumer base is moving away from rushed, checklist-style tourism in favor of personalized and immersive journeys.
On the supply side, local governments and tourism providers are responding with innovative offerings. The Palace Museum has launched digital immersive programs to bring relics to life; Suzhou in east China’s Jiangsu province has extended the evening hours for its classical gardens to enrich nighttime offerings; Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region has introduced multi-day passes for scenic sites to reduce travel costs. These innovations have not only broadened access to high-quality tourism products but also injected fresh vitality into the market.
China’s cultural and tourism industry is transitioning from rapid expansion to quality-driven development. As the market enters a phase of stock competition, refinement and service differentiation are becoming critical. “Smart tourism” is more than just a shift in travel habits but a new consumer ethos of rationality and confidence, while driving the industry toward more personalized, high-end, and service-oriented offerings.