Factories in China have become new tourist destinations for young people

Young people in China are increasingly choosing factories to spend their weekends instead of traditional vacation spots such as shopping malls or theme parks. This was reported on September 10 by the China Daily newspaper.

Tours of factories such as the Xiaomi Automobile plant in Beijing are becoming not only an educational event, but also a trend among young people. On the first open day of the Xiaomi factory in January of this year, more than 4,600 people were registered, while only 20 places were available. Tours of the Unitree factory, which manufactures robots, were resold for $420.65, but demand significantly exceeded supply.

According to the newspaper, family excursions become an opportunity to teach children, showing how various goods are made and linking theoretical knowledge with the real production process.

"For the younger generation of China, factories are not just places of work, but also a symbol of national potential and modern ingenuity. A factory visit is both an educational event, a cultural event, and an expression of identity. It satisfies curiosity about how everyday things are created, and convinces of the strength of the technological foundation of the country," the article said.

Industrial tourism has huge potential, and Chinese youth are actively moving in this direction. Already, this type of tourism accounts for 10-15% of the total tourist income in developed countries, while in China its share is less than 5%.

"Young Chinese people are attracted to the factory not just by the sight of working machines, but also by the desire to understand their place in a changing society. Conveyors, robotic arms and furnaces, once hidden behind guarded gates, are now perceived as part of the overall cultural landscape. Turning them into destinations allows young people to gain a sense of belonging to the country's industrial history," the newspaper said.

On the silk road: China introduces a visa-free regime for Russians from September 15

Russian citizens will be able to enter China using a regular passport.

Head of international projects "Fly.Lyubov Voronina, managing director of the Let's Fly tour operator, told Izvestia on September 2 that the possibility of a visa-free visit to China would greatly simplify travel arrangements and increase the attractiveness of the destination.

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