China Daily has officially unveiled ‘China Bound,’ an innovative English-language smart tourism platform that commenced operations on January 1, 2026. This comprehensive digital service aims to revolutionize the travel experience for international tourists visiting China through advanced technological integration.
The platform represents a significant advancement in travel technology, offering overseas visitors an end-to-end solution that spans from initial travel inspiration to personalized itinerary creation. The system incorporates intelligent Q&A capabilities, streamlined ticket booking services, and social features for sharing travel experiences. With a single interface, travelers can access China’s diverse cultural heritage, natural landscapes, and modern attractions.
China Bound operates through a multi-channel ecosystem including a dedicated website (www.chinabound.cn), mini-programs on popular payment platforms Alipay and WeChat, and active overseas social media presence. The website architecture employs a ‘main site + city sub-site’ matrix, featuring four primary sections: ‘Travel Destinations,’ ‘Itinerary Planning,’ ‘Must-buy Items,’ and ‘Must-try Food.’ These sections systematically present China’s rich historical traditions, contemporary urban developments, and authentic local customs.
Technical innovation stands at the core of the platform, with Ant Digital Technologies providing support for the Alipay mini-program. The integration includes real-time translation services, flight and hotel reservations, railway ticket purchases, currency conversion tools, and digital payment solutions. Users can access these services by searching ‘China Bound’ or ‘you zai zhong guo’ within the Alipay application.
A distinctive feature is the platform’s AI-powered intelligent assistant, which supports multilingual interactions and provides personalized travel guidance. This digital companion enables users to create customized itineraries, obtain real-time transportation updates, and receive detailed cultural explanations throughout their journey.
The platform will collaborate with national cultural institutions, tourism authorities, and service providers to ensure content credibility and experience authenticity. This initiative reflects China’s commitment to enhancing international tourism through technological innovation and cultural exchange.