China's allure grows for travelers in US

When Amy Tarpein maps out future travel possibilities for the families who follow her platform Elijah's Baby Bucket List, China often comes up as a destination for its rich culture, safety and diverse experiences.

Tarpein, founder and CEO of the award-winning accessible family travel platform, said many of the families in her community are constantly searching for destinations that combine cultural discovery with inclusive travel opportunities.

"I have over half a million people all over the world who follow us on social media. We reach millions of people every single month, and they're looking to us to see what is accessible and where to go next," Tarpein told China Daily at the Los Angeles Travel & Adventure Show in Long Beach on March 7.

While Tarpein has not yet planned a trip to China, she said it frequently appears on the bucket lists of families in her community because of its rich history and culture.

"Obviously the Great Wall is on the top of our bucket list," she said. "My kids added it a long time ago because they want to see all of the things. But the architecture and the art — my kids are so into art — being able to experience that, along with the culture, the food and the people, would be amazing."

She made the comments at one of the largest travel exhibitions in the US, featuring more than 450 destinations, travel brands and tourism organizations.

At the event, the China National Tourist Office in Los Angeles hosted a media briefing and cultural showcase highlighting the country's evolving tourism offerings and growing interest among international travelers seeking deeper cultural experiences.

Wu Dawei, director of the China National Tourist Office in Los Angeles, said global tourism trends are shifting toward more immersive and experience-driven travel.

"Travel preferences are evolving from simply choosing destinations to focusing more on experiences," Wu said. "Travelers today pay greater attention to seasonality, flexibility and local culture."

China's tourism industry has been expanding its offerings as a result, he said, developing travel options that range from urban and rural exploration to traditional cultural experiences and contemporary creative spaces.

"These diverse travel experiences are designed to provide international visitors with a broader perspective on China's cultural and natural landscapes," Wu said.

Broader destinations

China has long been known for iconic landmarks such as the Great Wall, the Forbidden City in Beijing and the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an. Today, however, many travelers are staying longer and venturing beyond these well-known attractions to explore a broader range of destinations.

Meanwhile, China's modern high-speed rail networks, improved tourism services and the widespread use of digital technology in daily life have made it easier for visitors to travel between regions and explore emerging destinations, according to Wu.

These changes are also shaping how travelers view the country.

Chelsea Borders, vice-president of Emblem Outdoor and a former media professional, said she hopes to visit China again and explore some of its major cities.

Among the destinations that caught her attention is Chongqing, a rapidly growing city in southwestern China known for its cuisine.

"I hope to go there to taste the spicy, delicious food," she said.

Matthew Kyle, a professional basketball player who most recently played for the Toyama Grouses in Japan, shared his experience traveling in China.

Kyle said the trip left a strong impression and sparked his interest in returning to the country, including exploring potential business opportunities.

Interest in visiting China was also reflected in the questions raised by travel agencies and visitors at the exhibition.

Ye Menglei, general manager of American Spring Travel, said many people approached the China booth with inquiries about visa policies.

He said two options are currently popular: China Port E-Visa, a streamlined digital entry permit, and China's visa-free transit policy, which allows travelers to explore China during a stopover.

Wu noted that China has continued expanding visa facilitation policies to encourage tourism and international exchanges.

"With the implementation of the 240-hour visa-free transit policy, eligible international travelers can stay in designated regions for up to 10 days," Wu added. "This provides greater flexibility for multi-city itineraries and deeper exploration."

renali@chinadailyusa.com