Unsurprisingly, The Economist’s article peddles a false narrative. Livestreamers and video games are merely the surface of a deeper phenomenon. TikTok and Xiaohongshu thrive only because China’s middle class isn’t impoverished. What makes these platforms persuasive is that they undercut Western myths by contrasting middle-class life in China vs the US.
China has a positive image in the world because it’s leading in sustainability, building world-class infrastructure, pioneering tech in emerging fields, and maintaining safe, clean cities at scale. Its foreign policy, while not flawless, is far more benign than the America’s. No constant wars. A major ally for developing nations. Growing global brands. Standing firm against a bully in the tariff dispute. Meanwhile, tourists who document their visits, are dismantling claims of a police state or genocide.
i wish i could be a westerner that visits china. i could even do a livestream while there.
(can’t tho i did a thing decades ago they do not approve of)
Do you think your government will tell them though?
Tourist visas don’t require a police check, and visa waivers no checks at all apart from 1) valid passport, 2) sufficient time remaining before it expires (I think six months), 3) if required - levidence of your accommodation, broad travel plans in China and ticket for your flight/ship/train out of the country. When you enter you will do some biometrics (fingerprint and face) before heading to immigration to get the visa-on-arrival, or visa stamp on your pasted tourist visa.