Now, these trending hashtags center on Chinese daily routines, urban spaces, consumption habits and social dynamics rather than political headlines, Chen said. "While the "China threat" narrative has not vanished, its once-exclusive interpretive power is being steadily diluted by authentic travel experiences."

　　He added that distrust of traditional mainstream media and discontent with their own societies" high living costs, social fragmentation and loneliness are fueling curiosity about China among Western members of Gen Z.

　　Peer-generated tourist content delivers powerful authenticity. Even occasional mild complaints from visitors make their positive observations far more persuasive, a unique advantage no official campaign can replicate, he said. The most compelling China stories are those told by international visitors themselves after immersive stays, Chen added.

　　Gina Lynn Dijkstra, 19, a Leiden University undergraduate from the Netherlands, said Western propaganda filled her with biased preconceptions before she arrived in Beijing in late July.

　　"Paradoxically, I felt more free in China than ever in Europe. Beijing ensured freedom to go out at night, and freedom to safely visit public places like lush parks and bustling places in the city at all times," Dijkstra said.

　　She was deeply moved by the sincere kindness shown by strangers and volunteers, and quoted a line from The Analects of Confucius to sum up her journey: "Is it not a pleasure to have friends coming from afar?" Though unfamiliar with the "Chinamaxxing" online trend, she has taken a new daily habit home: wandering city streets with bubble tea and snacks as a casual way to socialize.

　　Roxy Ye, 20, who is also from the Netherlands and has Chinese family roots, said she visited Beijing as a tourist for the first time earlier this month. She was stunned by the city"s unmatched sense of security.