Trending Now: China's Social Media Highlights #17 November -23 November#

Weibo | Destination Sentiment, Cross-Strait Convenience, and Russia Pivot

“If Chinese Tourists Don’t Come, We’ll Struggle”: Japan’s Anxiety Over Falling China Trips

Japanese netizens voice concern that political rhetoric could deter Chinese visitors, risking an estimated ¥2.2 trillion annual losses, with reports of USJ group bookings −70% and Hokkaido ski traffic halved, showing how geopolitics quickly impact tourism revenues. Read more →

Mainland Adds 100 Ports Issuing Single-Entry Taiwan Compatriot Permit

From November 20, the mainland expands one-time Taiwan Compatriot Permit issuance to 100 ports and offers fee-free first-time applications with free access to more than 3,000 attractions, thereby boosting cross-strait people-to-people connectivity. Read more →

Russia Readies Visa-Free Entry for Chinese Citizens—Aurora Routes Spike

Russia's prime minister announces that China’s visa-free policy will take effect soon, complementing Beijing’s reciprocal trial for Russian citizens. Travel agencies report 3× inquiry growth and 80% interest in aurora itineraries, showing how policy shifts redirect tourism flows. Read more →

Source: Aviation Week Network

Douyin | Visa Resets, Consumption Scale, and Accessible Aviation

India Fully Restores Tourist Visas for Chinese Citizens

India resumes issuing tourist visas to Chinese nationals, signalling renewed bilateral normalisation and potential for South Asia travel revival content. Read more →

“World’s Largest” Consumer Market: China Leads in Autos, E-Commerce, and Tourism

Douyin creators highlight that China has led global car production for 16 years, online retail for 12 years, and achieved 5.0 billion domestic trips in 9M25, reinforcing confidence in consumer resilience. Read more →

Civil Aviation Strengthens Accessibility for Disabled Passengers

Following public criticism earlier this year, the aviation authority introduced inclusive transport guidelines and staff retraining to ensure respectful, barrier-free air travel. Read more →

Xiaohongshu (XHS) | Practical Warmth, Rime Dreams, and Atmospheric Wonders

“Old-School Layering” Goes Viral as China Enters Winter

The “sandwich” dressing method (wicking base + warm mid + windproof shell) dominates winter fashion posts, championing function-first, comfort-driven style. Read more →

Lushan’s First Rime Frost Creates a Winter Fairy-Tale Landscape

Scenic sites such as Like Lake, Huajing, Hanpokou, and Moonlit Pines are popular for their frosted elegance, making Lushan a must-visit winter photography spot. Read more →

“Hemu Time Portal”: Altay’s Light Pillars Become a Winter Sensation

Stunning light pillars (ice-crystal phenomena) filmed across Hemu and Kanas redefine Altay as China’s answer to the Arctic aurora, inspiring viral winter travel guides. Read more →

Baidu | Panda Diplomacy Pause, Japan Safety Warnings, and “Trusted Thailand”

Source: Guidable Jobs

Japan to Have No Giant Pandas by Early 2026

As the final two pandas return to China, analysts note strained relations may hinder renewal, reflecting how symbolic cultural ties impact tourism soft power. Read more →

Multiple Nations Issue Travel Warnings Over Japan Bear Attacks

Over 100 bear attacks and 13 deaths in northern Japan prompt alerts from embassies and media—driving conversations around outdoor risk awareness and eco-tourism safety. Read more →

Thailand Launches “Trusted Thailand” to Welcome Chinese Tourists

The visa-free initiative expands with enhanced safety and payment infrastructure—CCTV, WeChat Pay, Alipay, and Mandarin support—to rebuild trust and convenience for Chinese travellers. Read more →

Zhihu | Year-End Travel Sharing and Youth Debt Conversations

“Where Did You Travel in 2025?”—Domestic Journeys Take the Spotlight

Users highlight affordable local destinations such as Minnan, Qingdao, and Yangzhou, showcasing the enduring appeal of domestic tourism amid cautious spending. Read more →

Young, Well-Paid—and Deeply in Debt?

A top thread examines why many graduates accumulate debt despite decent incomes, debating consumerism, social pressure, and financial education gaps shaping youth behaviour. Read more →