Summary of Key Points
In the past year, the ways in which overseas tourists visit China have changed. They no longer merely focus on landmarks such as the Great Wall and the Forbidden City; "technology tours" have become a new trend. These tours include visiting new energy vehicle factories, watching performances by humanoid intelligent robots, and experiencing drone-based food delivery services. The audience for these tours is diverse, consisting of technology professionals, curious individuals, and business people, which has spurred new opportunities in customized technology tourism. The rise of technology tours can be attributed to factors such as the fear of missing out on opportunities, the need for assistance in making investment decisions, and the strong presence of technology clusters and application scenarios in China.
1. Technology Tours Become a New Trend for Visiting China: More Visitors, Different Activities
In the first half of this year, the number of foreign visitors to China reached 22.914 million, an increase of 20.4% year-on-year, with visa-free entry accounting for 77.7% (up 30.6%). Policy improvements have made it easier for more foreigners to come to China. However, their itineraries no longer consist solely of visiting tourist attractions:
- Diverse Types of Visitors: There are programmers and engineers who come to learn about technology; ordinary tourists seeking a glimpse of the future; as well as business people and sports enthusiasts attending events like the China International Import Expo or marathons.
- Varying Expenses: Depending on the length of the trip and the standards of accommodation and meals, expenses range from several hundred to several thousand dollars per person. For example, short-day tours are cheaper, while five-to-ten-day business study tours are more expensive.
In short, "seeing technology" has become a new way for overseas tourists to understand China.
2. Technology Tours Generate New Business Opportunities: From Self-Media Platforms to Customized Guides
As demand changes, so do business opportunities. Some people use this as a means of starting a business or pursuing a side hustle:
- Shen Boyang's Company: Originally working in Germany and covering Chinese business on social media, he received requests from fans who wanted to bring their employees or students to visit companies in China. He founded Glopen, which specializes in organizing business inspections and study tours, and welcomed nearly 1,000 people last year, with expectations of doubling this number this year. Clients mainly come from Europe, South America, and Southeast Asia (with a focus on countries like France, Germany, and Brazil). Examples include entrepreneur associations interested in startups, Brazilian agricultural clients interested in drone technology for pest control, and MBA students whose itineraries include visits to large companies (60% of the tour is spent on these visits because "the details are not available online").
- Xiao Pang's Side Hustle: She noticed inquiries on social media about how to visit technology projects in Shenzhen and started offering customized technology tours in the city. Her clients are typically programmers or engineers aged 30-45, such as retired engineers from the United States who specifically request visits to Huaqiangbei, open-source hardware companies, and humanoid robot companies. Popular topics include autonomous driving, robot performances, and drone delivery services. Although these activities are public, foreigners often need guidance due to language barriers and unfamiliarity with payment systems.
3. Why Do Overseas Tourists Prefer Technology Tours?
The popularity of technology tours is driven by practical needs:
- Fear of Missing Out (FOMO): Professors from New York University have noted that foreigners feel that China's tech ecosystem is mature, and without seeing it for themselves, they might be at a disadvantage compared to their competitors.
- Assistance in Investment Decisions: For example, an Indian business owner named Shah visited China to assess the chemical industry and realized that the cost advantages of Chinese manufacturing were unmatched in India. As a result, he repositioned his investments, avoiding potential losses of 40%-50%. Seeing things firsthand is more reliable than relying on reports.
- Business Relevance: For instance, an Argentine mining company held its annual meeting in Shanghai and insisted on visiting a new energy vehicle factory because the minerals they extract are used to make batteries. The employees found it meaningful to see their raw materials being transformed into products.
4. China's Advantages in Technology Tourism: Plenty to See at Reasonable Costs
Why do foreigners choose China over other destinations like South Korea or Southeast Asia? Because China offers a wealth of tangible opportunities:
- Comprehensive Technology Clusters: China has well-developed industrial chains and real-world applications in areas such as new energy vehicles, e-commerce, AI, and the low-altitude economy (e.g., drone food delivery services that are actually in use). This diversity meets the needs of different types of tourists.
- Cost-Effective: Whether it's a short-term experience or a long-term study tour, there are suitable options available at reasonable prices.
However, there are challenges: guides must be knowledgeable. Shen Boyang, for example, requires his guides to speak English or other languages, have overseas experience, and understand the needs of senior executives. Many professionals in large companies or foreign firms over 40 years old have switched to this field because they can discuss technology and industry trends with clients in a way that ordinary guides may not be able to.
Conclusion
The rise of technology tours reflects China's growing technological strength. Overseas tourists are no longer just interested in China's history; they want to understand its present and future. This demand has created a new growth area for "technology + tourism," providing both a new perspective for foreigners to view China and opportunities for domestic professionals.