Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the transformation of inbound tourism in China, moving from traditional tour groups to more immersive and personalized experiences that allow foreign tourists to engage with local culture and daily life [1][2]. Group 1: Inbound Tourism Trends - Inbound tourism is experiencing a surge, with a shift from conventional bus tours to immersive experiences that connect tourists with the authentic lives of contemporary Chinese people [1]. - Tourists from various countries, including Spain, France, and Australia, are participating in city walking tours that offer a more engaging and vibrant experience of China [4][6]. Group 2: Innovative Tour Guides - Young tour planners, such as Sun Shuli and Qin Mao, are leading the charge in creating unique and personalized travel experiences, leveraging their language skills and cultural insights [8][13]. - Sun Shuli has developed various routes in Beijing and Shanghai, while Qin Mao's studio has doubled its revenue in the past year by catering to the preferences of foreign tourists [8][13]. Group 3: Cultural Engagement - Tourists are not only observing but also participating in local activities, such as playing traditional games and tasting local cuisine, which enhances their appreciation for Chinese culture [6][13]. - Experiences like watching martial arts performances and engaging in local customs are becoming popular among foreign visitors, showcasing the appeal of China's rich cultural heritage [11][13]. Group 4: Personal Stories of Tour Guides - Tour guides like Liu Lichao have transitioned from other careers to full-time roles in inbound tourism, finding fulfillment and purpose in sharing their culture with international visitors [16]. - The increasing number of foreign tourists in China is creating opportunities for guides to build meaningful connections and promote cultural exchange [16].

Core Insights - The tourism industry in China is experiencing significant growth, with over 38 million foreign entries in the first half of the year, marking a 30.2% increase year-on-year [1] - The traditional group tours are being replaced by more personalized and immersive travel experiences, allowing tourists to engage with local culture and daily life [4][11] Group 1: Changing Tourism Trends - The number of visa-free foreign visitors reached 13.64 million, a 53.9% increase compared to the previous year [1] - Tourists are now opting for CityWalk experiences, which provide a more authentic interaction with local culture and history [11][28] - The shift from sightseeing to cultural immersion is evident, as tourists participate in local activities such as playing traditional games [4][11] Group 2: Innovative Tour Planning - Young tour planners like Sun Shuli and Qin Mao are creating unique itineraries that focus on local experiences and cultural exchanges [11][28] - Sun Shuli's CityWalk routes cover various neighborhoods in Beijing, allowing tourists to explore hidden gems and local stories [11] - Qin Mao's approach in Sichuan emphasizes personalized experiences, such as learning martial arts and engaging with local traditions [28][33] Group 3: Tourist Feedback - Tourists express a preference for immersive experiences over traditional sightseeing, highlighting the enjoyment of interacting with local life [17][19] - Feedback from tourists indicates a strong interest in understanding the daily lives of locals, rather than just visiting famous landmarks [15][19] - The positive reception of these new tourism formats suggests a growing demand for deeper cultural engagement [24][30]