For British actress Katie Hutton, star of London’s West End musical Singin’ in the Rain, adapting to life in Chengdu wasn’t about guidebooks or tourist hotspots. Instead, she turned to tools used by locals: social platform RedNote to uncover hidden gems and messaging app WeChat to build connections with shop owners and residents.
“That way, I’m not living in China as a tourist – I’m actually living in China as someone from Chengdu, which is so cool,” Hutton explained. Her approach highlights a growing trend among expatriates seeking authentic experiences in the Chinese mainland’s dynamic cities.
Chengdu, known for its spicy cuisine and relaxed pace, has become a magnet for cultural exchange. Hutton’s strategy of using hyperlocal apps mirrors methods employed by business professionals and travelers aiming to navigate Asia’s rapidly evolving urban landscapes. Academics note such integration efforts strengthen cross-cultural understanding, particularly in regions like Sichuan Province, where traditional teahouses coexist with tech startups.
