A group of international visitors have arrived in Shanghai this autumn, inspired by the "Chinamaxxing" sensation that swept Western social media for months, and determined to live the trend for themselves.
Content in which overseas creators adopt everyday Chinese habits, wellness practices, and aesthetics exploded online in January, gaining particular traction among Gen Z TikTok users in the West. But the real version, as this group of international travelers discovered recently, is far more tactile than any 60-second clip.
The immersive journey began in an open plaza in Yuyuan, Shanghai's famed classical garden and a must-visit for inbound travelers. There, a Chinese health advisor introduced the group to paibaxu -- patting eight key joint areas with special mallets, a practice rooted in traditional Chinese medicine's belief that it stimulates the flow of qi, or vital energy.
"I think it was relaxing for the muscles, so I liked it," said Philipp, a traveler from Germany.
Next came a century-old Chinese pharmacy, where the TCM consultation begins not with a stethoscope but with four diagnostic steps: looking, listening, asking, and feeling the pulse.
For Finn, one of the travelers who comes from the Netherlands, the experience was revelatory.
"It's actually my first time, and I'm really surprised how you can just by touching my pulse here, know so much about me," he said.
The hands-on practice continued with the crafting of herbal sachets. Aaron from Canada chose dried lavender and mint for their calming and cooling effects, while U.S. group member Gavin found something deeper in the exercise.
"[Learning about] these herbs that grow naturally in the ground, that are able to do the same thing that our Western medicine can do, if not better -- and naturally -- is just very fascinating," Gavin said.
As evening fell, the visitors traded modern casualwear for traditional Chinese attire and joined local costumed performers in the "moon-walking parade," an old Shanghai folk tradition of strolling beneath the autumn moon for good luck.
For Aksara, a Nepali member of the travel group, the city's appeal lies in its perfect fusion of modernity and tradition.
"Shanghai is the best place you could look at because you could experience high-tech and the history, culture altogether," she said.
Justine from the United States marveled at the Chinese architecture.
"I think the ancient influence of China is gorgeous architecture and it's a beautiful place to be," she said.
Pakistani traveler Umair focused on the human dimension.
"If you get to make friends with the Chinese people, it's a life-changing experience. Their friendship holds a meaning, so I really love that," he said.
Official data showed that Shanghai alone drew more than 5.3 million inbound visitors in the first half of 2026, a jump of nearly 28 percent from the same period a year earlier. The momentum carried well beyond the city: nationwide, China logged over 22.9 million inbound trips by foreign nationals in the January-June period, up 20.4 percent year on year, boosted by expanded visa-free policies that now cover 50 countries for unilateral entry and 57 for 240-hour transit.
The shift in perceptions of China is palpable among the visitors themselves. Edward, a member of the group who hails from England, noted that the digital tide has already begun to turn.
"Recently on Instagram, Facebook, we've seen so many videos come out about China in positive light. My friends are now really excited, and they're coming next week," he said.
German traveler Philipp offered a blunter assessment.
"I think most people are not really educated about China, and there are many stigmas. But if you're here, you notice that they're not true. China is very open, and people are very friendly. To experience it for yourself would be important," he said.
For these travelers, what began as a hashtag has become something they can touch, taste, and take home -- proof that the most compelling content about China is not limited to the screen.
International visitors live out 'Chinamaxxing' in Shanghai
