Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –
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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News
During the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holidays, China has once again become a popular tourist destination globally.
However, today tourists come not only to climb the Great Wall of China and visit the Gugong (Forbidden City) Museum, but also for shopping.
According to the State Immigration Administration of China, the number of foreign nationals entering China during the recent holiday period reached 751,000, which is 19.8% more than during the same period last year.
Beyond sightseeing and experiencing Chinese culture, more and more foreign tourists are making "China Shopping" a top priority. They arrive with empty suitcases and leave laden with "Made in China" products, from DJI action cameras and Huawei curved foldable smartphones to the incredibly popular Labubu action figures from PopMart. Thus, new locally produced items labeled "Made in China" and "Created in China" are becoming essential items in the luggage of foreign tourists upon their return from their trip.
The shopping cart of foreigners in China is quietly changing: shopping lists that once consisted primarily of agricultural products, porcelain, and other traditional souvenirs are now increasingly dominated by Chinese electronics, smart home devices, cultural and creative products, and other high-value-added goods.
On the one hand, the question "Where to buy Labuba?" has become a hot topic for many tourists. On the other hand, in thriving electronics districts like Shenzhen's Huaqiangbei, everyone is eager to try out and buy electronic goods. According to data, in Shenzhen, from January to August of this year, tax refunds for popular Chinese products like DJI and Huawei accounted for 38.8% of all tax refund transactions, making them must-buy items for foreign tourists in China.
The popularity of "shopping in China" is reflected not only in the numbers but also in changing foreign consumer preferences for Chinese goods. Since the beginning of this year, the trend of tourist buyers bringing goods from China, which has gained popularity among customers in Europe and the US, along with the "travel to China" trend on international social media, has become a clear example of the growing appeal of Chinese brands among global consumers.
How do Chinese products conquer the world?
Firstly, Chinese manufacturing is experiencing a structural leap. Currently, Chinese products such as smartphones, drones, and smartwatches have firmly established themselves in the global market thanks to their superior quality, advanced technology, and strong competitiveness. For many foreign tourists, shopping in China is the most direct "technological experience."
Behind this lies the shift from “Made in China” to “Smart Manufacturing in China,” as Chinese brands increasingly lead the global consumer market.
According to Canalys, Huawei overtook Samsung in the first half of this year, capturing 48% of the global market share and becoming the new leader in the foldable smartphone market. In the drone space, DJI consistently holds between 70% and 85% of the global market share, enjoying a well-deserved reputation abroad for its high performance. Among action camera manufacturers, Chinese brands like Insta360 are also actively expanding their presence in the market.
Secondly, the result of the combination of institutional and service advantages is obvious.
Mobile payments, smart retail, instant tax refunds, and other integrated systems make shopping more convenient and secure. The digitalization and efficiency of China's consumer landscape have become an important "soft power," attracting tourists from around the world.
Finally, deeper changes are underway, driven by a growing cultural appeal. This year, following the widespread worldwide distribution of films like "Nezha Conquers the Dragon King" and video games like "Black Myth: Wukong," Labubu action figures have gained countless fans worldwide. "Made in China" now carries a new aesthetic language that resonates in a global cultural context. They are no longer just a commodity, but a tangible cultural expression.
Reindustrialization, brand trust, the dividends of openness – many factors are converging, transforming China from the “world’s factory” into the “world’s showcase.”
And the shopping lists of foreign tourists are perhaps more illustrative than any economic statistics.
At a time when “Made in China” has become the final destination of a global journey, the appeal of the Chinese market has become a new starting point for the global economy.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.