China Daily has officially launched China Bound, a new English-language smart tourism platform designed to simplify and personalise travel to China for international visitors. Unveiled on January 1, the platform offers one-stop services ranging from travel inspiration and itinerary planning to intelligent Q&A, ticket booking, and travel storytelling—marking a major step forward in China’s inbound tourism experience.
A One-Click Gateway to Exploring China
Positioned as a comprehensive digital travel companion, China Bound aims to help overseas travellers “see China, feel China, and fall in love with China.” With just one click, users can explore destinations, plan journeys, and access practical travel tools tailored to individual preferences.
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The platform responds to growing global interest in visiting China, supported by the country’s ongoing optimisation of inbound tourism policies and travel facilitation measures.
Multi-Platform Access for Global Users
China Bound operates across multiple digital channels to ensure accessibility and ease of use for international audiences. These include:
- An English-language website
- Mini-programs on Alipay and WeChat
- Intelligent systems powered by AI
- Overseas social media platforms
The ecosystem is designed to meet travellers wherever they are, before and during their journey.
Inside the China Bound Website
The official website, chinabound.cn, adopts a “main site + city sub-site” structure and is fully optimised for both desktop and mobile browsing.
Four Core Sections on the Main Site
The main site features four primary content pillars:
- Travel Destinations – showcasing China’s landscapes, heritage, and modern city life
- Itinerary Planning – tools to build personalised travel routes
- Must-buy Items – curated shopping recommendations
- Must-try Food – regional cuisines and local dining highlights
Together, these sections present a well-rounded view of China’s culture, lifestyle, and travel appeal.
City and Regional Sub-Sites
Each city or regional sub-site includes dedicated columns such as:
- Uniquely in (City)
- Pre-trip Knowledge
- Specialty Cuisine
- Popular Attractions
- Must-buy Items
- Hotel Accommodation
- Festive Activities
China Daily plans to gradually expand coverage to include more popular and distinctive destinations across the country.
Mini-Programs Powering Seamless Travel
To further enhance convenience, China Bound is available as a mini-program on Alipay and WeChat, with technical support from Ant Digital Technologies.
The Alipay mini-program integrates essential travel functions, including:
- Real-time translation
- Transport and hotel booking
- Attraction ticketing
- Currency exchange
- Secure online payment
Users can access the service simply by searching “China Bound” on Alipay.
An Intelligent Assistant for Personalised Journeys
A key feature of the platform is its dedicated AI-powered intelligent assistant, designed to support multilingual interactions and personalised travel planning.
Through natural conversations, users can:
- Customise itineraries
- Check real-time traffic information
- Learn cultural and historical context
- Receive smart tour-guide style recommendations
The assistant acts as a “thoughtful companion,” offering on-demand support anytime and anywhere.
Supporting China’s Inbound Tourism Vision
As international travel to China continues to gain momentum, China Daily is positioning China Bound as a bridge between China and the world. The platform will collaborate with:
- National cultural and tourism institutions
- Museums and cultural venues
- Tourism service providers and related organisations
The goal is to deliver credible content, immersive experiences, and warm, intelligent one-stop services that guide visitors from first impressions to deeper cultural understanding.
A Digital Bridge for Cultural Exchange
More than a travel tool, China Bound is designed as a cultural exchange platform—helping overseas visitors move beyond sightseeing to truly engaging with China’s stories, traditions, and contemporary life.
By combining technology, storytelling, and practical services, the initiative represents a new chapter in how China presents itself to the world.
At a Glance
- Platform: China Bound
- Launched by: China Daily
- Launch date: January 1
- Target users: International tourists visiting China
- Key features: Itinerary planning, AI assistant, ticketing, payments, cultural insights
- Access: Website, Alipay & WeChat mini-programs
- Website: chinabound.cn
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