Behind the buzzwords lies a string of hard data. According to the National Immigration Administration, foreign entries into China reached 22.91 million in the first half of 2026, up 20.4% year on year. With multiple European countries hit by extreme heat of 40°C this summer, large numbers of overseas travelers have flocked to China in search of natural coolness. Summer bookings from European tourists surged 275% year on year, with Russian visitor orders skyrocketing by as much as 553%.

　　In Zhangjiajie, Hunan, daily visitor numbers have averaged nearly 10,000 since July, with foreign tourists accounting for over 50% of the total. The scenic area has deployed a multilingual AI agent capable of real-time interaction in 14 languages. In the ancient city of Kashgar, Xinjiang, international visitors wander between intangible cultural heritage workshops and traditional residential courtyards. In Baima Zang Ethnic Township, Pingwu County, Sichuan, an average summer temperature of 18°C has drawn large numbers of overseas tourists to experience plateau horseback riding and Zang folk customs.

　　The breakout of these two overseas buzzwords reflects the deep confidence behind China's cultural tourism. From natural landscapes to digital services, from visa-free convenience to immersive experiences, international visitors are no longer content with skimming the surface. Instead, they are choosing to truly "live into" the fabric of Chinese daily life—to experience the interplay of natural ecology, folk culture, and modern amenities. From "China Cool" to "Chinamaxxing," a trip to China is evolving from one-off check-ins into lasting, in-depth experiences—and the country's long-term cultural tourism appeal is steadily taking shape.

　　（部分素材来源：央视网 中新网 北青网 千龙网 新民晚报）