Top Online Buzzwords China 2024 From Tourism to Shopping

If you're trying to decode China’s digital heartbeat in 2024, forget formal reports—head straight to the internet slang. From viral travel trends to shopping mania, these online buzzwords aren’t just cute phrases—they’re cultural GPS coordinates. Let’s dive into the hottest terms sweeping Chinese cyberspace this year, and what they reveal about where people are going, buying, and obsessing over.

1. 'Shi Xi' (City Walk) – The Art of Slow Urban Exploration

Gone are the days of rushing through tourist checklists. In 2024, 'Shi Xi'—literally 'city walk'—is all the rage. Young netizens are ditching crowded attractions for aimless strolls through historic neighborhoods, hidden alleys, and local cafés. It’s not about ticking off landmarks; it’s about vibes, aesthetics, and Instagrammable moments.

Data shows a 67% year-on-year increase in searches for 'city walk routes' on platforms like Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book). Cities like Chengdu, Xiamen, and Hangzhou have become top picks thanks to their photogenic streets and chill café culture.

2. 'Gu Zao' – The Rise of Niche Consumption

'Gu Zao', meaning 'making something up,' describes how young consumers invent quirky product uses or create entirely new subcultures around items. Think using facial rollers as phone stands or turning instant noodles into luxury gift boxes. It’s creativity meets consumerism.

This trend reflects a shift from brand loyalty to self-expression. According to Alibaba’s 2024 Consumer Trends Report, 58% of Gen Z buyers prefer products they can personalize or repurpose.

3. 'Pin Band' – Group Buying Goes Social

Shopping isn’t solo anymore. 'Pin Band' (team buying) exploded in 2024 as friends, coworkers, and even strangers team up online to unlock bulk discounts. Platforms like Pinduoduo and WeChat groups make it easy to pool orders for everything from skincare to ski trips.

Why? Because saving money feels better when shared. One viral example: a group of 30 office workers in Shenzhen bought matching winter coats at 40% off—then posted TikTok videos showing off their 'uniform.'

4. 'Spiritual Peasants' – Escaping Hustle Culture

Amid burnout and economic pressure, 'Spiritual Peasants' is a satirical term for urbanites who fantasize about ditching city life for rural simplicity. They don’t actually want to farm—they just crave peace, slow living, and organic food.

This mindset fuels agritourism. Rural B&B bookings surged by 72% in Q1 2024, with keywords like 'farm stay' and 'vegetable picking' trending on Ctrip and Meituan.

In short, China’s 2024 buzzwords reflect a generation redefining happiness: less FOMO, more JOMO (Joy of Missing Out). Whether strolling through old towns or bonding over group buys, netizens are crafting joy on their own terms.