Illustration: Liu Xiangya/GT

The idea of "bringing an empty suitcase to China" has recently become a popular, somewhat tongue-in-cheek tip for travel to China, especially on overseas social media.

Beyond filling luggage with souvenirs from China's well-known scenic spots, foreign tourists are also packing fragments of Chinese living, from traditional teacups and Hanfu dresses to trendy China-designed toys.

Data from payment platforms shows that local supermarkets, trendy cultural products, and specialty foods now account for a significant share of foreign tourists' spending in China. 

Additionally, iconic hubs like Shenzhen Huaqiangbei electronics market (nicknamed "China's Silicon Valley") and Yiwu's wholesale markets have become must-visit "hotspots." 

This shift from purchasing "made in China" souvenirs to embracing "living in China" aesthetics signals a quiet revolution in global cultural exchange.  

The rise of "Shopping in China" begins with policy support and an optimized consumption environment. 

As of June 1, China has implemented unilateral visa-free policies for 43 countries, while extending stay permits for transit visitors up to 240 hours. 

These measures have drastically lowered barriers to entry, making China more accessible than ever. 

Complementing this, the State Taxation Administration's nationwide rollout of "instant tax refunds" has streamlined the shopping experience, directly stimulating consumption.

According to the policies, registration will also be streamlined, allowing eligible stores to become tax refund stores. Other favorable policies include the minimum refund point for one overseas traveler in the same tax-refund shop on the same day being lowered to 200 yuan ($27.8) from 500 yuan.

"Convenient, efficient, and visitor-friendly policies are tangible expressions of a modern, open, and service-oriented national image," Yu Jinlong, a Beijing-based cultural critic, told the Global Times. 

The numbers affirm this: Visa-free entries surged 112.3 percent year-on-year in 2024, while mobile payments by overseas tourists during the 2025 Spring Festival skyrocketed 90.49 percent.

These "user experience" improvements subtly enhance tourists' affinity for China, paving the way for deeper cultural engagement. 

Yu added that the comfort and satisfaction gained from hassle-free travel encourage visitors to step beyond typical tourism and explore authentic cultural experiences such as savoring local cuisine, visiting off-the-beaten-path sites, or participating in folk traditions.

"These 'soft conveniences' foster cultural appetites by showcasing an open, efficient, and people-centered modern China, challenging stereotypes and building emotional bridges," Zheng Changling, a research fellow at the Chinese National Academy of Arts, told the Global Times. 

Zheng also pointed out that the shift from product export to lifestyle export signifies the globalization of Chinese aesthetics. 

"The diversity, creativity, and high quality of Chinese products are captivating global consumers," he said. 

Foreign tourists' shopping carts are no longer limited to traditional souvenirs but are increasingly filled with products featuring Chinese aesthetics, such as silk products, ceramics, and traditional Chinese clothing. 

This not only allows foreign tourists to experience the charm of Chinese culture while shopping but also promotes the spread of Chinese aesthetics globally, enabling more people to recognize, understand, and identify with Chinese culture.

Chinese aesthetics, from the minimalist elegance of Song Dynasty (960-1279) porcelain to the fluid lines of furniture from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), offer a refreshing alternative. 

Amplified by China's historical dramas, video games and social media platforms, these aesthetics have sparked global curiosity. 

Influencers and lifestyle bloggers sharing Chinese-inspired content have further turned this into a cultural phenomenon.

This shift reflects a deeper desire: Foreign visitors no longer seek superficial symbols but authentic, lifestyle-integrated cultural artifacts. It's a convergence of China's internal cultural confidence, global consumption upgrades, and innovative supply chains. 

Behind the "Shopping in China" boom lies a gradual rise in cultural identity. As China's economic clout and global influence grow, so does curiosity about its culture. 

Through shopping and travel, foreign visitors gain intimate exposure to Chinese culture, fostering deeper appreciation. This shift not only enhances cross-cultural exchanges but also boosts China's soft power, with consumer preferences shaping the evolution of Chinese cultural industries.

However, while "China Shopping" marks a milestone in cultural appeal, establishing a deep-rooted identity requires time. 

"While consumption signals interest, shifting values - shaped by education and cultural contexts - takes patience," Zheng noted.

In conclusion, visa-free policies and tax refunds serve as catalysts, but the core driver is China's ability to transform cultural confidence into tangible lifestyle offerings. 

By evolving from a "world factory" to a "lifestyle innovator," China is rewriting global perceptions. Every shopping cart filled with Chinese goods is a bridge, carrying stories of a dynamic, inclusive civilization toward a more connected world.

The author is a reporter with the Global Times. life@globaltimes.com.cn