rtificial intelligence is revolutionizing the way foreign tourists experience China, offering highly personalized travel options. AI-powered tools act as efficient guides, making navigating the country smoother for international visitors. These technologies are becoming an essential part of the travel experience in China, providing convenience and tailored recommendations.
Mutangay Jesteben Beni, a 26-year-old from the Democratic Republic of Congo, experienced this firsthand. Now studying at Shanxi University, he arrived in China seven years ago, dreaming of becoming an engineer. During his trip to Beijing in July, he utilized AI to plan his visit, and the results were transformative.
He asked Doubao, an AI application, to create a custom three-day itinerary with a focus on the Great Wall and the Forbidden City. In just under 10 seconds, Doubao presented him with a detailed travel plan, including transportation, accommodation, daily activities, and local food suggestions.
Mutangay was thrilled with the results, calling the service “amazing.” He compared the itinerary to having a local friend acting as his personal guide, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable trip.
AI Tools for Foreign Travelers in China
Mutangay’s experience is just one example of how AI is reshaping travel for foreign visitors in China. AI applications like DeepSeek and Doubao have become popular among both international and domestic tourists. These tools offer a wide range of services, from booking travel arrangements to recommending local attractions, ensuring a unique and personalized experience.
According to the China Internet Network Information Center, there were 538 generative AI services and 263 AI-powered applications as of August 2025. These services help visitors explore China in ways that were unimaginable a few years ago, with AI providing instant, real-time suggestions based on preferences and previous behavior.
AI’s Impact on Cultural Exploration
Mutangay’s trip to Beijing sparked his interest in ancient Chinese architecture, prompting him to attend a special event in Shanxi. The event, “Discovering Shanxi’s Ancient Chinese Architecture,” was organized by China Daily and Shanxi Daily, showing how AI can guide visitors towards deeper cultural engagement.
For foreign tourists, AI doesn’t just enhance convenience; it encourages them to explore local heritage in new ways. Through intelligent suggestions and cultural insights, AI makes exploring China both educational and personalized.
The Future of AI in Tourism: A New Era of Travel
With AI continuing to evolve, its potential to transform tourism in China is vast. It provides travelers with more freedom and flexibility to tailor their journeys to their interests. As AI applications become more sophisticated, they will only further redefine how tourists interact with the country, whether they are exploring ancient landmarks or modern marvels.
