The latest social media trend, "Bringing Empty Suitcases to China," is taking the internet by storm, hailed as the exciting evolution from the earlier "China Travel" phenomenon that captures the joy of international visitors discovering the country's unparalleled shopping experiences.
From "China Travel" to "China Shopping"
Following the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holidays, the phrase "Bringing Empty Suitcases to China" has gone viral online. Many netizens humorously suggest, "There's no need to bring a suitcase at all—just buy one here. Chinese manufacturing has everything you need!"
This shift from "China Travel" to "China Shopping" stems from foreign tourists' profound satisfaction with their purchasing experiences. Visitors consistently express amazement at "the quality, design, and rapid innovation of Chinese products," with many noting how "the instant tax refund service is incredibly thoughtful" and vowing to "bring an empty suitcase next time."
Official data confirms this trend: From January to August 2025, the number of foreigners enjoying visa-free entry to China reached 15.89 million, accounting for 62.1% of all inbound foreigners and representing a 52.1% year-on-year increase.
Policy Reforms Paving the Way for Seamless China Travel
The significant improvement in travel convenience is largely driven by policy reforms. Since late last year, China's National Immigration Administration has further relaxed and optimized its transit visa-free policies. The allowed stay duration for foreigners has been extended from the previous 72 and 144 hours to 240 hours. Faster processing, longer stays, and expanded activity areas have continuously enhanced the convenience and appeal of "China Tours," making the "China Shopping" experience smoother and more fulfilling.
Experiencing a Deeper, Richer China
Today's international tourists are exploring far beyond the Forbidden City and the Great Wall. They're sampling specialty foods in Tianjin, dressing in Hanfu for a dreamlike journey to the Tang Dynasty in Xi'an, and experiencing the craft of pottery firing in Jingdezhen, feeling the cross-generational heritage of kiln fire.
Their destinations are no longer limited to major metropolitan areas. More uniquely Chinese towns are finding their way onto international "travel bucket lists," with activities like business, family visits, and academic exchanges also becoming more convenient thanks to optimized policies and services.
For travelers planning their China vacation, the country offers diverse experiences from bustling megacities to serene countryside China destinations. Whether you're interested in historical sites, modern attractions, or authentic cultural experiences, there's something for every type of traveler exploring this vast country.
Infrastructure Making "China Travel" Effortless
Payment Convenience
The previous challenges foreign visitors faced with mobile payments are rapidly disappearing. Following the introduction of all-in-one "Changyoutong" and "Mifang" cards earlier this year—which integrate payment, communication, transportation, and translation functions—Beijing's urban rail transit added "Big Five Cards" for tap-and-go access in June, further enhancing payment convenience.
Seamless Transportation
From airports to ports, high-speed rail stations to ride-hailing services, the seamless integration of China's urban infrastructure allows many foreign tourists to enjoy "one-stop," "transfer-free" point-to-point convenient travel. This transformation has been so significant that travelers from Southeast Asia can now realistically "fly to China after work on Friday."
Tax Refund Services
The spending infrastructure is equally robust. To accommodate the shopping spree, China had established over 10,000 tax-refund stores by the end of August this year.
The Bigger Picture: Open Doors and Mutual Understanding
This surge in travel and shopping is part of a larger trend of opening up. Capital is flowing into China alongside people. In 2024, the number of newly established foreign-invested enterprises in China grew by 9.9% year-on-year, with actual utilized foreign investment reaching $116.24 billion, making China the largest recipient of foreign investment among developing economies.
As Bangladesh's newspaper, The Lightning, noted, "China Travel" has transcended economic significance, becoming a new name card that China presents to the world through openness and innovation.
From the sightseeing journey of "China Travel" to the deep immersion of "Bringing Empty Suitcases," the mutual learning and exchange between China and the world continue to expand, and people-to-people bonds steadily deepen.
Ready to experience modern China's incredible shopping, rich culture, and unparalleled convenience? Start planning your trip today and discover why everyone is talking about China travel! Check out our comprehensive China travel guide for more tips on making the most of your visit to this fascinating country.