China boosts inbound tourism with streamlined digital payments, immersive cultural experiences

China is rolling out multilingual apps, cross-border payment platforms, and hands-on cultural workshops to draw overseas visitors, as the country’s inbound tourism drive pivots on smart technology and immersive experiences.

At present, international tourists can make their travel preparations conveniently using mobile apps displayed in different languages. They can book hotels, buy tickets, search for various travel information, and plan their trip routes directly on their phones.

"In 2025, we designed information displays in 16 languages for more than 8,000 scenic spots and 450,000 hotels across China, and also introduced AI-powered route recommendations to make travel more convenient and welcoming for overseas tourists," said Liu Ting, director of the public affairs department of an online travel platform.

With just a few clicks on their phones, overseas tourists can navigate their trips in a short amount of time.

"So you have to download the right apps, it was quite easy to find our way," said Manel, a French tourist.

By September 2025, Alipay plus, the cross-border mobile payment platform operated by Ant International, had cooperated with 40 e-wallets and payment apps in the Asia-Pacific region, enabling overseas tourists to use their local payment applications at 150 million merchant outlets across China.

"We use Alipay for payments which allows us not to carry cash," said Chan Yee Khan, a Malaysian tourist.

Immersive cultural experiences have gone viral among overseas tourists. From visiting intangible cultural heritage workshops and wearing Hanfu to making dumplings and firing porcelain, these activities are becoming a new engine for inbound tourism.

At a scenic spot in Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, a Tang Dynasty (618-907) style feast performance attracted around 700 overseas tourists to sample Chinese cuisine, watch the show, and make dumplings.

"I tasted them before in a restaurant, but never made them myself. To also see the cultural side of China, it's really interesting to see," said Nicholas, a German tourist.

"We watch a lot of TikTok (videos), so we see a lot of influencers and we contact them. And that's how we made some of our tours and they were especially tailored for us," said Ridwaan, a tourist from South Africa.

Industry analysts say such cross-border payment options are creating new growth points for tourism consumption, as streamlined digital services become central to the country's inbound travel drive.

China boosts inbound tourism with streamlined digital payments, immersive cultural experiences

The ongoing Shanghai Fashion Week has drawn designers, buyers, and fashion enthusiasts from around the world. Beyond the runway, it serves as a key platform where global fashion meets with the Chinese market and the economic momentum behind it.

As a key barometer of China's fashion industry, the Shanghai Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2026 kicked off on Wednesday.

The event is rapidly emerging as a key gateway for international brands entering China and a launchpad for Chinese designers to make their mark the global stage.

This season, designers, buyers, and brands have converged not only to present their collections, but also to engage directly with the market.

Unlike Paris's focus on exclusive talent discovery or Milan's emphasis on high-end luxury, Shanghai distinguishes itself with a fully integrated fashion ecosystem.

"It's my first time at the Shanghai Fashion Week, and I'm surprised by how well organized it is. What also impressed me is the diversity of brands here," said Yoon Chun-ho, founder and designer of YCH.

A French buyer shared her view about the Shanghai Fashion Week from the perspective of the European market, one of the world's fashion hubs.

"I think it's very interesting, and definitely different from what I expected. And I saw a few brands that suit to me, especially at the beginning, and that could fit also the European clients. So very interesting to follow, and I guess I'll have to come back to see more," said Marine Humeau, divisional merchandise manager of Printemps from Paris.

As more designers seek to enter the Chinese market, a growing number of buyers return each season to discover emerging Chinese talent and introduce their collections to international markets.

For local brands, the runway offers more than exposure; it is an opportunity to turn visibility into tangible business results.

Shanghai Fashion Week shines, bridging runway, retail with global appeal