Stories from China

Over 20% of wealth produced in China has been lost due to a real estate crisis. Retail sales grew by only 3% in 2022, with growth slowing to 0.9% in December. House prices fell by approximately 4% over the last year. The economic instability follows a period of weak growth in 2025. The hospitality and catering industry has criticized government subsidies for failing to offset rising costs. Housing supply for sale in China fell between 10% and 15% year-on-year between early 2025 and early 2026. Demand continues to outpace supply in the market.

Beijing port recorded over 7 million inbound and outbound travelers as of 8:00 AM today. Beijing port passenger traffic exceeded 7 million entries and exits this year as of 8:00 AM on April 26. Traffic reached 7 million people, a 13.3% year-on-year increase, with foreign travelers exceeding 2.28 million (up 34%). Beijing Capital International Airport reported that inbound and outbound passenger volume at Beijing ports exceeded 7 million people as of 8:00 on April 26. Beijing port inbound and outbound passenger volume is projected to exceed 334,000 people during the upcoming May Day holiday. Beijing Border Station expects 89,000 travelers at the Daxing International Airport port, averaging 18,000 people per day. Beijing border inspection authorities expect the number of people entering and exiting Beijing ports to surpass 334,000.

Inbound taxi ride orders in Guangzhou increased by 83% during the first phase of the 139th China Import and Export Fair, also known as the Canton Fair.

A criminal syndicate led by a suspect surnamed Zong defrauded medical insurance funds since January 2023. A private hospital in China was involved in a medical insurance fraud scheme involving 32 suspects. Criminals are using fraudulent medical insurance schemes to steal funds in China.

Xiamen Airport has become the first airport in mainland China to achieve full coverage of Minnan language broadcasting across its terminals.

China is reportedly developing tactical mini nuclear weapons and dangerous missiles, according to warnings from the United States. This development is described as a nuclear threat to India's neighborhood. Four Chinese government departments have issued a joint directive to accelerate the high-quality development of technology insurance.

Inbound taxi ride orders in Guangzhou increased by 83% during the first phase of the 139th Canton Fair spring session. Guangzhou hotel and homestay occupancy and booking rates have also seen a increase alongside the 83% rise in taxi orders. Platform data shows a simultaneous rise in hotel and homestay bookings and reservations in the city. The growth is driven by international exhibitors and participants from Belt and Road Initiative countries. The third phase of the fair is scheduled to take place from May 1 to May 5.

Turkish tourists are visiting famous sites in Suzhou, including Shuangqiao and Zhouzhuang. Local tourism authorities are using online platforms and offline channels to promote inbound travel to ancient towns. This strategy has led to a increase in the number of inbound visitors to the Zhouzhuang scenic area. One visiting Turkish doctor described the area as beautiful with well-preserved history. One visitor, a doctor from Turkey, noted the high quality of preservation in the residential areas. This initiative aims to boost the reception of international tourists in the Suzhou area. Visitors reported experiencing local cultural activities such as blueberry wine tasting and traditional dances. Visa-free policies and social media influence are extending tourist stays and driving demand for customized travel.

A large inbound tour group of nearly 2,000 people has arrived in Zhouzhuang, Kunshan. The group includes travelers from countries such as Greece, Russia, and Kazakhstan. Visitors toured famous local landmarks including Shuangqiao. The influx reflects a trend of travelers choosing deep-experience tours in smaller cities over traditional photography stops in Beijing or Shanghai. Local authorities have implemented internationalized signage, improved foreign card payment functions, and optimized bilingual services to support the influx. An exit tax refund point has also been established at official local cultural shops to facilitate tourism.

Chinese platform Douyin has removed over 538,000 videos for violating artificial intelligence regulations. The crackdown targets AI-driven misconduct including face-swapping and the unauthorized use of celebrity images. The campaign also addresses the creation and distribution of content that infringes on intellectual property rights. The company announced the specific figure via its official account. China recently launched a special governance initiative targeting short video content.