Surging inbound tourism underscores appeal of "China Cool"

Foreign tourists enjoy themselves at a hotel in Jiangbei District of Ningbo City, east China's Zhejiang Province, July 28, 2026. (Xinhua/Jiang Han)

BEIJING, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- As extreme heatwaves grip many parts of the world, a growing number of foreign travelers are flocking to China for a "coolcation." Their journeys have spawned a new social media buzzword, "China Cool."

What lies behind the trend? In short: a genuinely cool China.

One obvious draw is geography. With a vast territory and rich ecological resources, China offers a treasure trove of naturally cool summer getaways, from the lush Changbai Mountain in the northeast to the dramatic sandstone peaks of central China's Zhangjiajie -- the real-life inspiration for the floating mountains in the Hollywood blockbuster Avatar.

In Chinese cities like Beijing and Tianjin, where heatwaves occasionally hit, foreign travelers do not hesitate to visit scenic attractions, as cooling systems are widely accessible in shopping malls, hotels, subways and even public restrooms.

Beyond comfort, openness and infrastructure have played a crucial role. Visa-free policies, a safe environment, and modern transport networks make it easier than ever for visitors to explore China.

Ultimately, echoing the trends of "China Travel" and "China Shopping," the "China Cool" hashtag is not just about summer travel. It reflects a growing global appreciation for a country whose appeal is rooted in its natural beauty, cultural charm, openness to the world, and commitment to peaceful development.