Why Is Russia Becoming the New Frontier for Young Chinese Travelers
Discover how Russia became a “hardcore” choice for Chinese travelers, the rise of smartwatches among school children in China, and the history of passports—all in this newsletter
Hello TWOC readers!
Hope you had a wonderful Chinese New Year. While the holiday had traditionally been a time for people to reunite with family after a long year of hard work, it is increasingly becoming a chance to travel—and in recent years, Russia has emerged as an unexpected but popular destination.
After Russia introduced a policy on December 1, 2025, allowing Chinese nationals visa-free entry for up to 30 days, a wave of tourists has flooded the country, embarking on so-called “hardcore travel.” But despite the charm of European architecture and the stunning auroras washing the Arctic sky in vivid green, these trips are often bogged down by logistical hurdles, language barriers, and safety issues—sometimes even ending with fatal consequences.
Read on to find out more:
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Going North: How Russia Became the New Frontier for Young Chinese Travelers
Seeking adventure off the beaten path, young Chinese travelers are increasingly heading to Russia—only to encounter a range of logistical hurdles, cultural barriers, and in some cases, fatal accidents. Read more
“Bumping” Into Adolescence: Kids’ Smartwatches and the Battleground Between Safety and Control
Children’s smartwatches have become big business in China, but do their safety features outweigh the potential risks to attention spans and social inclusion? Read more
An all-female horse-themed dance during the Chinese New Year reimagined a centuries-old folk tradition that has shifted from male origins to female expression. Read more
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From cyberpunk horse installations to “My Little Pony”-inspired lanterns, here’s a glimpse of how the Lantern Festival is lighting up every corner of the country. Read more
Chinese You Need
Olympic Chatter: Chinese Fans on the 2026 Winter Olympics
From quips about Team China’s outfit design to following the games with bated breath, here are the internet memes and slang inspired by the Milano-Cortina Olympics. Learn more
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New Markets, Young Makers: How Millennials and Gen Z Are Shaping the Future of Consumption
Catapulted by the rise of designer toys, the “emotional economy (情绪经济)” emerged as one of China’s hottest buzzwords in 2025, as millennials and Gen Z gravitated toward brands offering enjoyment, comfort, and self-expression. At the same time, thrift- and sustainability-minded consumers are driving a booming secondhand market, while the next generation of factory owners steps into leadership within their family businesses. All this and more in our latest magazine issue. Support on-the-ground reporting from China—get your copy today!