Reference News Network, December 23 report: The Bloomberg News website published an article titled "China's Tourism Is Cool Again, Whether or Not There Is 'Hyperthyroid Brother' " on December 22. The author is the company's column writer Ren Shuli. The following is a translation of the article:
The streamer "Darron Watkins" known as "Hyperthyroid Brother," who has over 46 million YouTube fans, came to China earlier this year and caused a sensation. Fans witnessed this 20-year-old American (famous for live-streaming his travels around the world) doing a backflip on the Great Wall and riding a futuristic train. "China is different, buddy," he exclaimed.
China is different. Beijing is attracting foreign tourists with unprecedented intensity, allowing citizens from 48 countries to enter without a visa.
Price wars are everywhere, and the tourism industry is no exception. In the third quarter, the average price per night at Marriott International Hotel Group (which includes brands like Hilton and Ritz-Carlton) was approximately $118, compared to $129 two years ago, and its occupancy rate in China, which is close to 70%, far exceeds the industry average of 50%.
Hotel operators are doing everything they can to please guests. The concierge at the Ritz-Carlton Shanghai is willing to deliver takeout worth $2 at any time. The Park Hyatt Hotel in Changsha, known for its spicy cuisine, allows guests to check out as late as 4 p.m. Can you imagine making such a request in the United States!
Foreign guests are especially valued. The Chinese have always been hospitable, and after the pandemic, they want to welcome foreign tourists again. More importantly, hotel staff have realized that foreigners are a group willing to spend large amounts of money. In the third quarter, 7.246 million foreign visitors entered without a visa, accounting for 72.2% of total foreign visitors, up 48.3% year-on-year.
By the first three quarters of 2025, the number of domestic residents traveling in China approached 5 billion, an increase of 18% compared to the same period last year, but the average spending per trip slightly decreased. I myself have also joined the "discount search" crowd, and whenever I go somewhere, I can't help but ask if there are any discounts. On the other hand, foreigners seem not to fully realize their bargaining power yet.
Travelers who enjoy adventure don't need to stay in large chain hotels - the boutique homestay industry in China is booming. These highly rated trendy homestays are run by young people, who transform their own homes into multi-functional spaces. After all, for people of this age group, especially college graduates, why work hard in big cities when they can run a small homestay in a picturesque village?
Staying in small homestays across the country is an interesting and enlightening experience. You can communicate with young landlords and their friends, and play with their beloved cats and dogs. They are skilled in social media and are very helpful. During a recent trip to Guilin, the landlord enthusiastically recommended local delicacies and attractions to us and provided free transportation between the train station and our accommodation. He almost became our private tour guide.
Speaking of high-speed rail, it brings a social benefit: travelers can easily reach remote corners of this vast country without wasting time on transportation.
Thanks to the pursuit of efficiency, China's high-speed rail is clean, fast, and almost always on time. The trains stay at the station for a short time - the ticket gate opens 15 minutes before departure and closes 5 minutes before departure, so you'd better move quickly.
In many ways, China's economy is the opposite of Western countries: consumers have strong bargaining power. Whether or not there is "Hyperthyroid Brother," China's tourism is cool again.
(Translated by Zhao Feifei)
On July 21, Italian tourists listened to a tour guide introduce scenic spots on the Bund in Shanghai. (Xinhua News Agency)
Original: toutiao.com/article/7586882961929355828/
Disclaimer: This article represents the views of the author."