China is becoming the new hot spot for travelers all over the world, especially with its recent changes to entry policies aimed at welcoming international visitors. The country's expansion of visa-free travel options paired with modernized entry procedures has really upped the appeal of exploring the nation.
For those planning their first adventure to this vast and culturally rich country, the questions can feel overwhelming. What do you need to know about the 144-hour visa-free policy? Should you be tipping? What about booking hotels, especially with the unique guidelines for foreign travelers?
To help answer these queries, China Daily has rolled out a comprehensive guide dubbed the China Travel Guide on Tencent Docs. This resource is packed with current information about everything from entry policies to popular travel routes, making it easier than ever for tourists to navigate their trips.
The guide's “Policy” section goes deep, unpacking the nitty-gritty details of the visa-free entry policy, which allows visitors from certain countries to explore cities within specific regions without the hassle of getting a visa. Need details about extending your stay? It’s all laid out for you.
One of the most significant changes for international travelers is how payments can be made. Gone are the old days of relying solely on cash; now, payment apps like WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted, bringing ease to transactions—from street food stalls to upscale shopping centers.
Using public transportation? The guide's “Transportation” section organizes valuable information on metro systems, taxi rentals, car hire, and even shared bikes. Want to hit the ground running? This resource gives you all the tips you’ll need to navigate urban landscapes.
Those ever-popular city walks? The recommendations on hotel bookings and popular attraction tickets make it simple to map out your adventure. No more confusing systems; whether you're heading to the Great Wall or the neon lights of Shanghai, the guide can streamline the process.
But it’s not just about travel logistics; there's something bigger brewing within China—an explosion of fitness culture. The health movement is reshaping how Chinese residents are interacting with their leisure time, as gym workouts, yoga classes, and outdoor runs have transitioned from sporadic activities to regular habits.
Ariel Peng, a 29-year-old quality manager at a multinational pharmaceutical company, epitomizes this trend. Five to six days each week, she fits gym sessions ranging from 40 minutes to over an hour around her busy work life. For Ariel, lululemon has become more than just workout gear; it’s now integral to her daily wardrobe, symbolizing both performance and style.
She explained, “I first liked the Align series because it’s both snug and lightweight, without feeling restrictive.” Over the years, Ariel has invested over 50,000 yuan (approximately $6,900) on this sportswear brand, which she finds suitable beyond the gym—for casual outings and her daily commute.
This increasing affinity for fitness has reshaped consumer spending. The sportswear market, which includes both functionality and high style, reached nearly 500 billion yuan ($70 billion) by 2023. During this year's Singles' Day shopping festival, which took place from late October to mid-November, more than 30 brands in the sports and outdoor category made over 100 million yuan on Tmall, China’s leading e-commerce platform.
With new fashion trends like “athleisure” and “gorpcore” hitting the scene, it’s clear comfort and style are now blending seamlessly. Leggings, tennis skirts, and even polo shirts have morphed from gym-only to everyday wear. The outdoorsy “gorpcore” trend—characterized by casual ruggedness—thrived during the pandemic as more people participated in outdoor activities.
A shifting wardrobe is evident for many like Wang Xinyu, who abandoned her once-elaborate dresses for more versatile, stylish outdoor wear. “It feels liberizing,” she remarked. “Outdoor apparel is versatile, minimalist and still stylish.”
Social media is playing a big role too. Platforms like Xiaohongshu are filled with photos showcasing active outfits and images from hiking adventures. The online community is fostering a culture around active, outdoor lifestyles, amplifying the connection people feel with fitness-oriented fashion.
Notably, premium brands are capitalizing on this trend. Lululemon noted a staggering 34 percent increase in its net revenue on the Chinese mainland as of the second quarter of this year, continually enhancing its presence having opened over 130 stores since entering the market back in 2013.
Another major player, Amer Sports, which owns outdoor gear brand Arc'teryx, reported its own success with 17 percent more revenue, amounting to 1.35 billion U.S. dollars. What’s more, their profit jumped a whopping 257 percent, with revenue from China soaring by 56 percent—showing just how fast this sector is growing.
The Outdoor Sports Industry Development Plan (2022-2025) highlights the growing relevance of outdoor activities, estimating over 400 million people are currently engaged. The Chinese government has outlined plans to boost physical exercise participation massively, tying this initiative to its broader Healthy China 2030 project, which aims for 530 million individuals to be exercising regularly by the year 2030.
Industry experts like Professor Zhou Lijun have noted, “With China’s vast population base and the current enthusiasm for outdoor activities, the industry’s potential is enormous if participation continues to grow.” With projections estimating the sportswear market could hit 599 billion yuan by 2027, the future looks bright.
Despite the competitive atmosphere, Lululemon's optimism rings through. The brand recently showcased its strength at the China International Import Expo (CIIE), anticipating the Chinese mainland to potentially become their second-largest market by 2026. “We're committed to continued investment as we aim to engage more individuals with our brand,” said André Maestrini, executive vice president for global markets. This commitment aligns with the broader trend of health and fitness becoming central to lifestyle choices for many across China.
