Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the phenomenon of Chinese tourists, particularly women, engaging in travel primarily for social media content creation rather than genuine exploration, highlighting the influence of platforms like Xiaohongshu on travel behavior [4][15][26]. Group 1: Travel Trends - There is a growing trend among Chinese women to prioritize social media "content KPIs" during their travels, leading them to visit specific locations for the sake of posting rather than for cultural or scenic appreciation [15][22]. - The "Four Boxes" sculpture in Barcelona has become a popular social media hotspot, with over 900 posts related to it on Xiaohongshu since August 2023, indicating a significant rise in interest and interaction [15][16]. - The article notes a stark contrast between local perceptions of attractions and the curated experiences promoted on social media, revealing a cultural divide in how travel experiences are valued [13][14]. Group 2: Social Media Influence - Xiaohongshu's algorithm plays a crucial role in determining which locations become popular, as users are often led to "hidden treasures" that are actually algorithmically favored spots [16][18]. - The article outlines a formula for creating viral travel content on Xiaohongshu, emphasizing the importance of appealing visuals and poetic captions to attract engagement [17]. - There is a dichotomy in travel philosophies emerging within the Chinese internet community, with some users blindly following social media trends while others seek authentic experiences, leading to a clash of perspectives [26][27]. Group 3: Cultural Reflection - The article reflects on the differences between Western and Chinese travel behaviors, suggesting that while Western tourists may prioritize relaxation, Chinese tourists often feel compelled to document their experiences for social validation [20][22]. - The pressure to produce content can overshadow the actual enjoyment of travel, prompting a deeper question about the motivations behind travel: whether it is for personal fulfillment or social recognition [26][27].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the phenomenon of Chinese travelers, particularly women, engaging in "travel performances" driven by social media platforms like Xiaohongshu, where the focus is on capturing aesthetically pleasing content rather than experiencing the destination itself [26][30]. Group 1: Travel Trends - Chinese women are increasingly prioritizing social media content creation during their travels, viewing it as a task to fulfill rather than simply enjoying the experience [16][18]. - The "Four Boxes" sculpture in Barcelona has become a popular social media hotspot, with over 900 posts related to it on Xiaohongshu since August 2023, indicating a significant rise in interest and engagement [17][20]. - The article highlights a cultural difference in perception, where Chinese tourists actively seek out Instagrammable spots, while local Europeans may view these sites as unremarkable [12][11]. Group 2: Social Media Influence - Xiaohongshu's algorithm plays a crucial role in promoting lesser-known attractions, transforming them into must-visit locations through user-generated content [21][22]. - The article outlines a formula for creating viral posts on Xiaohongshu, emphasizing the importance of appealing titles, engaging visuals, and poetic captions to attract attention [24][22]. - The rise of "hidden gems" as popular destinations is attributed to the platform's ability to tap into users' desires for unique experiences, leading to a cycle of imitation and content creation [23][24]. Group 3: Cultural Reflection - The article contrasts the travel philosophies of Chinese tourists with those of Western travelers, suggesting that the former often feel pressured to document their experiences for validation [30][31]. - There is a growing divide in travel philosophies within the Chinese internet community, with some embracing the algorithm-driven travel culture while others seek authenticity and spontaneity [36][35]. - The discussion raises questions about the true motivations behind travel, suggesting that many may be more interested in social validation than genuine exploration [37][38].

今年端午，我一个铁闺蜜蓓蓓提前三个月请好了四天年假，拼出整整九天长假，就为了一件事： 去西班牙旅游。 对。你没看错。它就叫四个盒子。 这可不是随便的四个盒子。 它是四个生锈的立方体钢块，堆叠成一个雕塑，高高竖起，像个破旧的信号塔。 反正关于这个景点，我闺蜜朋友圈文案只有又飒又冷的一句话："荒凉感，是欧洲的B面。" 而我虽然留学时没少跑巴塞罗那，但这题明显超纲了，只好一脸懵圈地问她："亲，这到底哪儿啊？" 过了一会，蓓蓓淡淡地来了一句："这叫受伤的星星"（L'Estel Ferit），德国艺术家设计的，著名废墟风 打卡点，小红书上老火了！" 说到这次她期待已久的旅程，那还真是挺拼的，不仅完全没有躺平，还打卡了一大堆我听都没听过的地 方。 比如，起初我以为她要去巴塞罗那看高迪建筑、阿尔罕布拉宫冥想。 结果，她在闺蜜群里发来一张照片，说是什么巴塞罗那海滩上的"四个盒子"雕塑。 啥？ 我半信半疑，打开小红书一搜： 嗯，就是这熟悉的味道。 你还别说，小红书滤镜这么一整，小词这么一加，伴着夕阳的四个破铁盒子确实视觉强烈、情绪氛围拉 满，有种宫崎骏动画的孤独感。 但我又手贱查了一下Google地图上这个地方的评价，本地人评 ...