China's rising appeal to global Gen Z

Seventeen years ago, Ohori Rio from Japan first set foot in China, captivated by the electrifying atmosphere outside Beijing's National Stadium — the Bird's Nest — during the 2008 Olympic Games.

Now 21, she has returned to the country to study at the Communication University of China while also co-hosting a program about China for Japanese audiences.

"I feel like a modern-day envoy to the Tang Dynasty," she said, referring to the period between 618 and 907 when Japanese envoys braved the seas to visit China and brought its rich civilization back home.

A thousand years later, the young Ohori has chosen to build her life in Beijing, using language and media to present an authentic picture of contemporary China to Japan.

Her personal journey reflects a broader, significant trend among global youth. On Friday, China Daily's Generation Z Research Center and Global Social Media Academy, together with Xi'an Jiaotong University's School of Journalism and New Media, jointly released The World Through the Eyes of Gen Z: Global Youth Survey Research Report.

The report analyzes data from 12,400 Gen Z respondents across 31 countries, exploring their views on global leadership, their sources of interest in China, and their willingness to engage with the country.

"It opens a window into the worldview of Generation Z," said Yang Yiyong, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Macroeconomic Research.

"The data reveals that Gen Z globally holds a positive and pragmatic perception of China. They recognize its developmental achievements, show strong interest in its technology, culture, and future prospects, and express a clear willingness to visit, experience, and engage with the country," he added.

Past to present

For many people from around the world, the Great Wall is a symbol of China. For Nguyen Thi Hoai Thuong from Vietnam, it was no exception. The 22-year-old had long dreamed of visiting this iconic landmark, and last month, during China's National Day holiday, she finally fulfilled that dream.

"Stretching endlessly along the mountain ridges, the Great Wall made me feel as if, by opening my arms, I could embrace the entire landscape," she said, describing the awe she felt atop the ancient bricks.

The convenience of transportation during her trip also left a lasting impression. She noted that China's high-speed trains — with their remarkable speed and smooth operation — and a transport system that remains orderly even during peak holiday periods completely reshaped her understanding of long-distance travel.

Unlike Nguyen, August Hagen from Norway prefers a slower pace. Last summer, he boarded one of China's older low-speed trains — known as "green-skin trains" for their distinctive green exterior — traveling from Shanghai to Urumqi in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. During the 40-hour trip, he savored the scenery and engaged in many conversations with fellow passengers.

"I enjoy talking to strangers, and it has given me broad insight into the daily lives of people in China. For me, this was my 'authentic China' moment," he said.

While Gen Z's interest in China is often drawn by traditional cultural elements such as scenic sites and historical landmarks, modern trends and lifestyles also hold strong appeal, according to the report.

Hagen speaks highly of Chinese films like Still Life (2006) and The Piano in a Factory (2011), which tell stories of ordinary people in different eras of China. He appreciates the nuanced portrayal of Chinese society that these movies offer.

Ohori, on the other hand, is an admirer of the Chinese game Black Myth: Wukong, released last year. She loves the game's innovative design, which seamlessly blends mythological themes with real-world elements, such as the ancient architecture of Shanxi province.

She notes that the game not only brings the classic tale Journey to the West to life but has also sparked a cultural tourism trend, drawing players to Shanxi in person and generating significant economic benefits. "It makes me feel strongly that a new era for games with Chinese characteristics is accelerating," she said.

Daniel Gage Brown, a 26-year-old from Australia, is currently studying history at Peking University in Beijing. His passion for history draws him to the Chinese costume drama Empresses in the Palace (2011), where he discovers elements of modernity within its ancient narrative.

"It's an interesting critique of the patriarchy in (ancient) China," he said. "It shows how even the emperor himself could be a victim of patriarchal structures and the expectations of toxic masculinity."

Growing influence

Through their observations and firsthand experiences of modern China, Gen Zers from around the world have come to appreciate the country's growing influence across various sectors.

Brown said China's impact is especially evident in its consumer products. "Chinese manufacturers are very responsive to global trends and fads, and they produce on a scale far beyond other countries," he noted.

Nguyen agrees. She said the high cost-effectiveness, vast selection, and reliable supply of Chinese goods are now widely recognized internationally. But what impresses her most — and, in her view, best exemplifies China's innovative capacity — is the digital ecosystem the country has built.

"Products like Alipay, WeChat, and various e-commerce platforms are not just convenient; they have fundamentally redefined the efficiency and quality of modern urban life," she said. "All of this is supported by China's robust manufacturing capability, comprehensive industrial supply chain, and highly efficient logistics network."

China's technological advancements are also transforming Nguyen's daily life. She now can't live without AI-powered apps like DeepSeek and Doubao, particularly enjoying Doubao's chat feature for practicing Chinese.

"Its conversational ability is so natural that sometimes I feel like I'm talking to a real person," she said.

Meanwhile, Hagen has observed China's growing leadership in global affairs. "Just this year, China has made much progress on the international stage, taking over spaces the US has left behind," he said. "While the US is creating a lot of chaos internationally, China has systematically offered its own alternative."

According to the report, for many young Gen Zers, coming to China for work, study, or academic exchange has become a popular choice, as they view the country as a vital platform for development and collaboration.

Saira Ghafoor, a 27-year-old from Pakistan, is pursuing her PhD in plant breeding and genetics at Jiangxi Agricultural University in Nanchang, Jiangxi province. She plans to continue her research in China with a postdoctoral position in the coming years.

"China's strong research environment, advanced technology, and collaborative opportunities make it an ideal place for me to further develop my skills and contribute to meaningful scientific work," she said.

Equally important to her is the sense of safety, which has reaffirmed her decision to study in China. Whether walking across campus late at night, taking public transportation alone, or exploring new cities, she consistently feels secure and at ease.

"This level of security allows students — especially girls — to focus on their goals without unnecessary worries, making their experience truly empowering," she said.

Nguyen, a political science student at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, also speaks highly of China's education system.

She believes that young people should come to China to experience firsthand its immersive learning atmosphere and substantive academic life. Compared to short-term travel, she describes it as an experience that is "closer to reality and of more lasting value".

"China is a wonderful and highly inclusive country," she said. "Whether I eventually settle here or not, it will always remain a part of my life in some way."

guiqian@i21st.cn