Beyond the guidebook

This Chinese New Year, Zhu Jiongyi, a sociology undergraduate from Beijing studying at Wuhan University, chose Kunming in Yunnan province as his holiday destination — a city that stands out as his favorite among all the places he visited over the past year.

His travels have taken him to some of China's most remote regions, including Xinjiang, Xizang, Inner Mongolia, and Gansu. He has also followed the Silk Road to Central Asia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman.

Yet despite the diversity of these destinations, it was Kunming's multicultural charm that captured his heart and drew him back for the holiday.

"Yunnan is home to 25 ethnic groups," Zhu explained. During his stay at a youth hostel, he shared meals with other guests, which gave him the opportunity to sample a wide variety of cuisines. "For example, Wa cuisine, influenced by Myanmar, has a distinct Burmese flavor. Dai food is sour and refreshing. There are also Bai and Shui cuisines, each with its own unique characteristics."

It is this blend of ethnic cultures that attracts young travelers like Zhu, who seek authentic and diverse experiences rather than superficial sightseeing.

Boliyuhai (pseudonym), another young traveler, shares a similar preference for in-depth exploration. Her focus, however, is on the multifaceted appeal of Hong Kong.

"Last year, I visited Hong Kong five times, but I still feel there is so much more to discover in the city," she said."Even though I speak Cantonese and have a good understanding of the local culture, Hong Kong still gives me a strong sense of 'boundary'. It's a complex and multi-dimensional city."

Yet it is precisely this complexity that inspires her. "Whenever I feel confused, I visit Hong Kong alone. I wander through random streets, soaking in the city's vibe — dignified yet grounded, calm yet urgent," she wrote on her Xiaohongshu (RedNote) account.

"By stepping outside my familiar environment and immersing myself in the local culture, I've started noticing things I would normally overlook — how buildings are arranged and how urban spaces tell their own stories," she added.

Zhu and Boliyuhai's travel styles reflect an emerging trend among young Chinese travelers: turning away from popular tourist hot spots and instead choosing destinations based on personal passions and interests.