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Cruise Journeys to Vietnam and Japan A Chinese Youth Rite of Passage
In recent years, a fascinating trend has emerged among young Chinese individuals, especially recent university graduates: the growing popularity of cruise journeys to destinations like Vietnam and Japan. These sea voyages are increasingly seen not just as holidays, but as a significant “rite of passage” a symbolic transition into adulthood. This article explores the reasons behind this burgeoning phenomenon and its implications for the travel industry.
Alice
Aug 73 min read


South Korea Offers Visa-Free Entry for Chinese Group Tours from September
South Korea is ready to roll out the welcome mat for Chinese tour groups this fall. Starting September 29 and running through June 30, next year, Chinese visitors traveling in organized groups will no longer need a visa to enter the country, the prime minister’s office announced on Wednesday.
Alice
Aug 63 min read


Gen Z Parents on the Rise: The New Driving Force of Family Consumption in China
In 2025, China’s households with children aged 0 to 18 are setting the pace for digital consumption. With 362 million monthly active users and steadily increasing engagement, these families, led by digitally savvy Gen Z parents, are reshaping how value, quality and experience converge online. Their preferences strongly favour KOL content, short video, scenario-based shopping and emotionally resonant experiences. From upgrading grocery choices to embracing edutainment apps and
Alice
Aug 53 min read


Gunfire and no guests: Cambodia border clash a real threat for Thailand’s travel economy
Thailand’s tourism industry was already on shaky ground — now, with heavy artillery exchange across its border with Cambodia, it’s facing its toughest blow yet. As the region plunges into its worst conflict in over a decade, hopes of a travel rebound risk being buried under smoke and uncertainty.
Alice
Jul 254 min read


China’s silver travellers: the 2025 duty‑free game‑changer
China is ageing—310 million citizens are now over 60, constituting 22% of the national population. Far from being a social cost, this cohort is powering what Beijing now labels the 银发经济 (silver economy) – an ecosystem of goods and services for later‑life living.
Alice
Jul 233 min read


China Trading Desk Q2 survey charts strong outbound recovery
China Trading Desk has released its Q2 2025 Outbound Traveller Survey, showing strong recovery trajectory, evolving with renewed confidence and discernible shifts in consumer priorities.
Alice
Jul 154 min read


Xiaohongshu unveils new brand identity, ditches 'lifestyle guide' label
Xiaohongshu wants you deep in niche rabbit holes with people who care about the same weird stuff you do. “This isn’t just a slogan change,” says Ashley Dudarenok, “it’s Xiaohongshu cementing its moat against rivals like Douyin.”
Alice
Jul 93 min read


How young Chinese travellers are fuelling a cruise ship holiday boom
After graduating from Fudan University’s prestigious MBA programme this year, Dong Wenxin wants to keep in touch with his fellow students. The 30-year-old figured many former students probably felt the same way – eager to reconnect even when scattered across China.
Alice
Jul 63 min read


Europe Isn’t Ready: The Chinese Traveller Has Evolved. Has Duty-Free?
Imagine this: A Chinese Gen Z traveller books her ticket to Paris two weeks before departure. She’s already finalised her skincare wish list via Xiaohongshu posts, previewed prices on Ctrip, watched an influencer tour on Douyin – and hasn’t stepped foot into a single store.
Alice
Jul 35 min read
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