Beyond Beijing and Shanghai: Why more foreign tourists are venturing into rural China
Foreign tourists are increasingly exploring rural areas of China, moving beyond traditional hubs like Beijing and Shanghai to experience local culture and scenery. Improved infrastructure and a desire for slower-paced travel are driving this shift in tourism patterns.
Why it matters
This trend reflects a diversification of the Chinese tourism industry and changing preferences among international travelers seeking authentic, less-crowded experiences.
With improved infrastructure and accessibility, China’s countryside is becoming a popular choice among foreign travellers after a slower pace of travel.
Tourists visiting Xitou Village in Longquan city in Zhejiang province, China. (Photo: Longquan Wangou Taoxichuan)
Lakeisha Leo 09 Sep 2026 06:00AM Bookmark Bookmark Share WhatsApp Telegram Facebook Twitter Email LinkedIn Set CNA as your preferred source on Google Add CNA as a trusted source to help Google better understand and surface our content in search results. Read a summary of this article on FAST. Get bite-sized news via a new cards interface. Give it a try. Click here to return to FAST Tap here to return to FAST FAST SINGAPORE: When Ruveena D Souza, 37, decided to extend her stay in China by two weeks last November, she did not stick to the country’s usual tourist trail.
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