China's growing appeal as a travel destination, fueled by its diverse offerings and visitor-friendly policies, has not only drawn a surge of international tourists, but also created new employment opportunities, particularly for the country's youth.
Over the past year, China has enhanced its unilateral visa-free policy, expanding it to include 38 countries and allowing stays of up to 30 days. This has helped transform Shanghai, the top destination for foreign tourists, which welcomed over 6.5 million international travelers in 2024, with many of them choosing the city as their first stop in China.
The "China Travel" boom has given rise to a new generation of private tour guides, like Liu Lichao, who left his 8-year banking career in Shanghai to pursue this fulfilling profession full-time.
Liu leads curated cycling tours through the city's historic streets and vibrant neighborhoods, enabling foreign tourists to experience everything from architectural landmarks like the iconic Wukang Mansion, a hot photo spot for its unique architecture style and rich story, to traditional arts and local cuisine.
The historical building, designed by a Hungarian-Slovak architect and completed in 1924, has been the residence of many celebrities.
Liu's tailored tour routes have garnered praise and recommendations from numerous clients. His personal social media account chronicles joyful moments from his guided tours.
"Cycling allows them (foreigners) to witness the different facets of life and the spirit of the city. In the parks, they witness locals engaging in various activities like dancing, Tai Chi, calligraphy, and choir singing. When the weather is good, there is an abundance of fun activities. The locals are very welcoming, with the elderly often inviting them to join their dances," said Liu.
Liu is familiar with Shanghai, where he attended university. He initially started as a part-time English tour guide on weekends while still working in finance. As more foreigners come to visit Shanghai, he sees rise in his incomes. English-speaking guides can earn around 800 yuan (about 110 U.S. dollars) per day and those fluent in other languages can fetch up to 1,000 yuan (about 138 U.S. dollars) daily.
The surge in inbound tourism has led to a sharp increase in demand for foreign language guides, with some agencies struggling to fill open positions. This prompted Liu to make the leap to full-time guiding in April of last year. While a contract with a travel agency provides access to a wider client base, Liu's online presence has also played a crucial role in his success. After posting a vlog of one of his tours (with the tourists' permission), he saw a significant increase in bookings.
"Especially after the Spring Festival, bookings surged, with some extending into April and May," he said.
For Liu, the rewards extend beyond financial gain. He has found deep satisfaction in facilitating cultural exchanges and fostering understanding between China and the rest of the world.
"A major motivation for me to pursue this profession comes from the tremendous fulfillment it brings me. Through my perspective and deep cultural exchanges, I can show foreign visitors what our past was like, explain how the Chinese people's diligence has driven the nation's development to its current state, where our resilience originates, and showcase our national character," said Liu.
After nearly a year in this role, Liu is satisfied with his current career path, highlighting the rewarding nature of his job in the thriving tourism landscape of China.
"China Travel" boom creates new job opportunities for young people
"China Travel" boom creates new job opportunities for young people
