Beijing – China's culture and tourism industries are undergoing a transformative phase in 2026, driven by digital innovation and evolving consumer demands, according to insights from the Annual Research Report on China's Cultural Industry and Tourism Industry (2025). Released last January, the report highlights how post-pandemic recovery has evolved into sustained growth, with sectors now prioritizing high-quality development aligned with the 15th Five-Year Plan.
Over 100 experts and industry leaders convened in Beijing earlier this year to discuss the findings, emphasizing the rise of intelligent technologies and experience-driven consumption. Key trends include the modernization of cultural narratives, data assetization, and cross-sector integration, all reshaping how residents and overseas visitors engage with China's heritage and destinations.
Digital Transformation Takes Center Stage
The report notes that 72% of cultural enterprises now use AI-driven platforms for customer engagement, while virtual reality tours have doubled in popularity since 2024. Regional tourism networks, particularly in the Greater Bay Area and Yangtze River Delta, are leveraging these tools to attract global travelers seeking immersive experiences.
Looking Ahead
As the Chinese mainland strengthens its dual-circulation development model, analysts predict increased collaboration between public services and private innovators. 'The fusion of aesthetic education and tourism will redefine cultural consumption this decade,' stated a representative from the Beijing Jinghe Cultural Tourism Development Research Institute during the seminar.
