Chinese Internet Slang That Originated from Travel Vlogs
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- Source：The Silk Road Echo
If you've ever scrolled through Chinese social media—especially Douyin (TikTok) or Xiaohongshu—you’ve probably stumbled upon quirky phrases like “种草” or “打卡.” But here’s the twist: many of these viral slang terms didn’t start in meme factories. They were born on the open road, in travel vlogs that captured wanderlust, humor, and a whole lot of local flavor.
From Wandering to Words: How Travel Vlogs Shape Chinese Internet Culture
Travel vlogging isn’t just about pretty sunsets and scenic hikes in China—it’s become a cultural engine. Influencers trekking through Yunnan’s rice terraces or sipping bubble tea in Chengdu aren’t just sharing views; they’re minting language. These creators drop phrases so catchy and relatable that millions adopt them overnight.
Take “特种兵式旅游” (Special Forces-style travel), for example. This term exploded in 2023 when college students started posting videos of themselves cramming 10 tourist spots into a 48-hour weekend. No sleep, all hustle. It’s not just a travel style—it’s a mindset. According to Baidu Index, searches for this phrase spiked over 300% in Q2 2023 alone.
The Vocabulary of the Road: Decoding Viral Travel Slang
Let’s break down some of the most influential terms that went from vlog captions to everyday speech:
| Slang Term | Literal Meaning | Cultural Context | Popularity Index (2023) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 种草 (zhǒng cǎo) | "Planting grass" | Recommending something so well it makes others want it | ★★★★★ |
| 拔草 (bá cǎo) | "Pulling out grass" | Tried the hyped thing—and hated it | ★★★☆☆ |
| 打卡 (dǎ kǎ) | "Clocking in" | Visiting a must-see spot just to post about it | ★★★★☆ |
| 特种兵式旅游 | "Special Forces-style travel" | Ultra-fast, high-efficiency sightseeing | ★★★★★ |
As you can see, these phrases are more than cute wordplay—they reflect real shifts in how young Chinese travelers engage with places. “种草” turns recommendations into emotional investments, while “打卡” reveals the performative side of modern tourism.
Why These Phrases Stick
It’s simple: they’re visual, vivid, and instantly shareable. When a vlogger says, “This hotpot spot? Total 草已种,” viewers get it. No translation needed. The metaphors grow organically from experiences—like planting seeds of desire or checking off conquests.
And brands? They’re all over it. Tourism boards now use “打卡胜地” (must-check-in destinations) in official campaigns. Even airlines reference “特种兵旅行” in youth-targeted ads.
Final Thoughts: Language on the Move
Next time you hear a strange Chinese phrase online, trace it back. Chances are, it started with someone filming their morning jianbing in Xi’an. Travel vlogs aren’t just showing us where to go—they’re reshaping how we talk about going there.
So pack your bags, grab your phone, and maybe coin a phrase yourself. Who knows? You might just plant the next big piece of grass.