Female travelers seen as new driving force in tourism industry

New career

Chen Yan, from Sichuan, says she has traveled for half of her life, which has allowed her to appreciate the diverse beauty of the world.

Coming from an ordinary family, Chen said she tries to cut back on unnecessary travel costs, but will not compromise when it comes to the quality of her trips.

"For instance, I will save money if the transfer flights are cheaper than the direct ones," she said, but added she will not skimp on experiences that give her access to the typical way of life at a destination.

Chen discovered her passion for travel during her third year at college. "I even found temporary jobs that provided accommodation to support my travel in certain places," she said.

Her experiences enabled her to share stories about her encounters with interesting people on major social media platforms, including Xiaohongshu, where she started to gain a following.

In 2019, she quit her job operating medical testing equipment at a hospital in Sichuan and became a full-time travel influencer. "It doesn't bring in good money, but it is enough to satisfy my passion for travel," Chen said.

As her travel experiences have increased, her friends have looked to her for advice and often invite her to join their trips. "It's nice recognition," she said.

Chen said travel has also given her a better understanding of herself. "You should do whatever you want as long as you're happy," she said.