Spend some time browsing YouTube or Instagram and discover a rising trend – China travel vlogs. These captivating videos showcase various aspects of China through the eyes of international travelers.
Global Appeal
From an American creating a four-hour “vlogumentary” on eating dumplings in Shanghai to a German traveler marveling at China’s high-speed bullet trains, and a British couple exploring traditional clothing in Xinjiang, these vlogs have garnered hundreds of thousands of views.
Local Popularity
Although YouTube and Instagram are inaccessible in China, these videos have found their way to Chinese social media platforms and gained significant popularity among local audiences. They have been featured in interviews by Chinese state media and shared with trending hashtags like “Foreign tourists have become our internet spokespeople.”
Post-Pandemic Travel Boom
Following a three-year isolation due to the Covid pandemic, China has implemented visa-free policies to attract more tourists, leading to a resurgence in foreign travelers. Travel bloggers have eagerly seized the opportunity to explore a country that was previously less accessible to them.
Beyond Tourism
These travel vlogs not only contribute to China’s economy but also serve as a platform for the country to counter what it perceives as an anti-China narrative in the West. By showcasing carefree travel experiences, China aims to challenge criticisms and present a positive image to the world.
Changing Perceptions
Despite China’s tightened surveillance measures and media restrictions, the lighthearted nature of these travel videos offers a different perspective to overseas audiences. The videos portray a dynamic and evolving China that contrasts with Western mainstream narratives.
