From 'China Travel' to 'China Haul,' More Vibrant China Taking Shape

As people-to-people exchanges keep gaining momentum, the hashtag "China Haul" has gone viral on overseas social media such as YouTube. It refers to a phenomenon where foreign visitors travel to China with empty suitcases, fill them with Chinese goods during their trips, and share videos online of unboxing their purchases.

The evolving series of "China+" phrases reflects how global perceptions of China are becoming more authentic, multi-dimensional and well-rounded.

For "China Travel," overseas bloggers visit landmark sites, document high-speed railways, mobile payment services and urban streetscapes. Their firsthand clips break the information bubble built by Western media and satisfy overseas netizens' curiosity about this ancient Oriental civilization.

As overseas travelers sought cool summer getaways, China's pleasant climate, sound urban infrastructure and refreshing summer resorts made it a top destination and "China Cool" arrived. Visitors paid close attention to urban public facilities and quality of life, experiencing the tangible benefits ordinary people enjoy in modern China.

"Chinamaxxing" marks a deeper level of engagement: drinking hot water, a Chinese custom, practicing Baduanjin, a health and fitness exercise routine, trying traditional Chinese medicine wellness therapies and following Chinese dramas. Foreign visitors are embracing Chinese lifestyles and growing to appreciate the life philosophy and cultural values of the Chinese.

And now "China Haul" adds another dimension. It offers a hands-on experience of Chinese manufacturing. Visitors pick up cultural merchandise, digital gadgets, and daily products, witnessing the wide range of affordable, creative homegrown goods. Global understanding has expanded from China's scenery to its dynamic consumer market and innovative products.

What has led to the evolving perceptions of China? Opening up facilitates visits, industrial strength fuels attraction, and grassroots sharing delivers genuine warmth.

A series of opening-up measures, especially visa-free policies, has opened the door for increasing cross-border exchanges. Entry facilitation has lowered barriers to international travel, enabling ordinary overseas visitors to set foot in China.

Foreign nationals made almost 61.29 million border crossings in the January-August period of 2026, up 19.5 percent from a year earlier, according to National Immigration Administration data.

Opening up is reflected not merely in rising visitor numbers; it is building channels for face-to-face communication and bridging the information divide.

The popularity of "China Haul" stems from the vitality of China's industries. Today, "Made in China" has shed its image of low-end original equipment manufacturing and become synonymous with quality at affordable prices. Even for small items such as phone cases, products with the "Made in China" label boast a rich variety, exquisite designs, and affordable price tags. Bestselling products, including drones, AI glasses, and smart translation devices, continue to wow visitors.

Notably, overseas tourists and vloggers are the main recounters of the current China narrative. They shoot unboxing videos voluntarily and share genuine experiences on social platforms. Piece by piece, their videos paint a vivid picture of the daily life of the Chinese and counter the biased stereotypes shaped by Western media. Young Internet users speak about what they see in the digital language of their generation, forming a grassroots loop of travel, experience, shopping, and sharing.

Still, viral buzzwords cannot erase long-held prejudices overnight. People-to-people exchange is a long-term undertaking. These "China+" terms are a snapshot of the deepening cultural engagement.

As more foreigners come to see, feel, and share, more "China+" angles will be emerging and a real, multi-dimensional China reaches more audiences across the globe.

Source: Science and Technology Daily