According to data from Trip.com Group, China welcomed nearly 23 million international tourists in the first half of 2026, a 20% increase compared to the same period last year. The company also reported that international flight bookings in Shenzhen increased by over 70% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026.
On September 13, co-founder and chairman of Trip.com Group, James Liang, announced the hosting of the Magnificent China Tech Carnival during his visit to the Magnificent China Folk Culture Villages in Shenzhen. This cultural event is planned to last approximately two months, starting from late December 2026 until the 2027 Lantern Festival, covering Christmas, New Year, and the Spring Equinox.
The carnival is expected to feature elements such as drone performances, robotics shows, and interactive activities, as well as AI-based programs, intangible cultural heritage exhibitions, and folk traditions and customs of the Spring Equinox Festival. Organizers have opened a global call for applications across three categories—drones, robotics, and cultural experiences—as well as proposals for Chinese cultural events designed for international visitors. Applications will close on October 31, 2026, after which selected concepts will be implemented at the carnival.
Trip.com Group also highlighted locations in Shenzhen where technology merges with daily urban life. The Shenzhen Museum of Science and Technology offers immersive exhibits, including the Galaxy Tunnel, a Mars zone, a holographic corridor, and practical science sessions. DJI Sky City, home to drone manufacturer DJI, features a 90-meter elevated pedestrian bridge and an open steel structure. Tencent's headquarters in Binhai is part of a modern cityscape with interconnected buildings and skywalks. At Gangxia North Station, 'Shenzhen Ai' transforms an underground transport hub into an architectural landmark, while 'Shenzhen SkyShuttle' showcases autonomous urban mobility. Shenzhen Talent Park combines skyline views with urban services, including drone delivery. In selected tech and commercial zones, visitors can interact with robotic devices, AI-powered products, exoskeleton robots, and holographic installations.
The company noted that revenue from inbound tourism showed high double-digit year-on-year growth in the second quarter of 2026. Related programs include 'Taste of China,' launched in August 2025—a 90-minute culinary show featuring seven signature dishes from seven major regions of China, including the Greater Bay Area, complete with QR codes linking to curated regional travel information. In Shenzhen, a free half-day tour, 'Shenzhen Express,' is available for international passengers with short layovers. Currently, this tour has attracted participants from 40 countries across six continents, with primary markets being Spain, Singapore, Germany, Malaysia, and Indonesia.