According to data, the number of foreign citizens entering China in the first half of the year reached 22.91 million, which is 20.4% more than in the same period last year. As the flow of international tourists increases, there is a noticeable change in the assortment of souvenirs they take from China.
In Sanlitun, Beijing, Italian tourist Medea tries on shoes at a local brand store, PANE. This brand, based in Shanghai, specializes in retro-style sneakers inspired by the German army and targets a price range of 800 to 1000 yuan (approximately $119). The brand is gaining popularity outside of China.
Medea shared her opinion: 'My friends and I think the designs are very stylish. I came to China specifically to see them. I plan to buy two pairs, one for a friend as a Chinese gift.'
Previously, the main souvenirs purchased by foreign guests were tea, silk, and plush panda toys. Today, they are being replaced by new consumer brands such as PANE, as well as fashionable technological gadgets, including foldable smartphones, AI glasses, drones, and fitness trackers, which have become the new 'Chinese delicacies.'
Statistics show that since the beginning of the current year, about 8,000 foreign buyers visit the Huachengbei mega-electronics market in Shenzhen daily to look for goods. From January to July, sales of products with AI elements across all categories in Huachengbei have increased by more than 55% compared to last year, while sales of AI glasses have doubled, and sales of drones and robots have increased by 60–70%.
Dai Mingfeng, a researcher from the China Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation under the Ministry of Commerce, noted: 'Technical products have a significantly higher price and a higher repeat purchase rate than traditional local souvenirs. Foreign consumers are increasingly viewing China as a source of quality products worth returning for, rather than just a place to buy souvenirs. By sharing purchases on social media, they also help create a positive word-of-mouth effect.'
Furthermore, many foreign tourists are now placing large online orders during their trips, arranging delivery to their hotels, or simply packing the purchased items in their luggage before flying out of China.
British tourist Simon said that buying the same items abroad would mean waiting several weeks, paying international postage fees, and risking lost parcels. In contrast, when ordering during a trip to China, delivery can arrive the next day, and returns and exchanges are hassle-free, allowing him to simply put everything in his luggage before leaving.
Ye Tianlin, executive dean of the Institute of Urban Economic and Social Development at the Capital University of Economics and Business, believes that the combined strength of tourism resources, domestic brands, and internationalized services is transforming inbound tourism from a simple sightseeing experience into a more diverse experience combining excursions and shopping.
According to Ye Tianlin, 'Tourists are taking away not only individual goods but also a direct impression of Chinese manufacturing and Chinese services. Overseas consumption has also become an important window for showcasing the vitality of Chinese cities and strengthening intercultural exchange.'