Viral Attractions

China’s domestic tourism is booming, and social media is fueling it. In our cover story this issue, we examine how virality is transforming travel by making previously unknown destinations tourist hotspots, helping and harming local communities, and pushing some people to extreme lengths to avoid the new crowds. Also in this magazine, we investigate what it’s like working in the booming micro-drama industry; report on the growing trend for AI resurrection; examine how video games change players’ perceptions of Chinese history and culture; dive into artist Huang Heshan’s urban dreamscapes; and ask why it’s so difficult to adapt The Three-Body Problem. We also teach you the Chinese phrases you need to become a travel blogger, offer the latest book, movie, and video game recommendations, and much more.