Widening its areas of influence

She has been exploring the South Pacific in recent years to prepare a travel book about the culture of the small island nations that populate the region.

In Vanuatu, she gazed in awe at the smoking crater of the active Yasur volcano, and talked with a member of a tribe that once practiced cannibalism.

On the island of Niue, with its population of just over 1,600 people, she hiked in a forest, explored caves and swam with dolphins.

"The more I learn about these island countries, the more curious I become, so, I often try to rub shoulders with the locals to learn as much about them as I can," Liu says.

Chen and Liu are both full-time "travel influencers", who share their notes online with fans. They are both listed among 2019's Top 50 Travelers compiled by tourism website Qyer, recently released in Chongqing alongside the site's marketing campaigns for 2020.

"The annual ceremony where we name our top 50 travelers illustrates the latest trends in tourism and encourages influencers to improve their professional competence, inspiring more travelers to explore the world," says Xiao Yi, Qyer's CEO, who founded the website in 2004.

According to Qyer's vice-president Cui Li, the criteria used to select the annual top 50 travelers is mainly the quality of their content. Those that make it on the list are adept in one of six areas, such as writing travel tips or finding delicious food.

"Independent Chinese travelers, especially the younger generations, are choosing their destinations and plan their trips based on their interests, and they prefer a personalized journey," Cui says.