Chinese tourists in US from shopaholics to culture lovers
Updated: 2016-07-19 10:05
(Xinhua)
|
|||||||||
As larger numbers of Chinese tourists are coming to the United States with more individualized travel plans, more are turning their eyes to cultural and art attractions, rather than a shopping spree.
"We have seen the rise of independent Chinese tourists for a while, and they have showed increasing interest in culture and arts," Lin Xiaowen, a tour guide with the Metropolitan Museum of Art (the Met) in New York, told Xinhua in a recent interview.
There used to be a time when the luxury stores on the Fifth Avenue of New York City (NYC) were frequented by Chinese consumers. But now, they have turned to the attractions other than gilt and luxury.
"In recent years, the number of Chinese tourists (to the Met) is keeping rising. In 2009, it was only about 50,000 (annually), but since 2014, the number has already over 200,000," said Lin, "So, Chinese visitors have become the largest group of foreign visitors in Met since then."
In fiscal year of 2015, the number of visitors to this iconic museum in the United States has reached 6.3 million, which has been attributed in a large part to Chinese elements and tourists. The Met is one of the world's largest museums with over two million pieces of artwork.
Responding to the sharp rise of Chinese visitors, the museum made efforts to cater to the Chinese, including audio tours and maps in Mandarin, opening a Chinese Weibo account, and even acceptance of UnionPay.
"Now, the museum sets three times a week mandarin highlight tour to visitors," Lin added.
It has been reported that the Mandarin version of the Met's guidebook sells better than any other foreign-language editions.
- African Union opens with launch of continental passport
- Baton Rouge shooter identified as ex-Marine Gavin Long
- Navy chiefs set for fresh talks on South China Sea
- Arrests hit 6,000 as Turkey cracks down on army and judges after coup bid
- A close look at Theresa May's new cabinet
- More than 70 dead in Nice attack as France marks national day
Uphill battle for cyclists in downhill race in Zhangjiajie
Shennongjia added to World Heritage List
Campers sleep perched on cliff face in Central China
Two giant pandas meet public in NE China
Ongkor Festival celebrated in Southwest China's Tibet
The world in photos: July 11 - 17
Ten photos from around China: July 8-14
The only surviving panda triplets weaned from milk
Most Viewed
Editor's Picks
![]()
|
![]()
|
![]()
|
![]()
|
![]()
|
![]()
|
Today's Top News
Ministry slams US-Korean THAAD deployment
Two police officers shot at protest in Dallas
Abe's blame game reveals his policies failing to get results
Ending wildlife trafficking must be policy priority in Asia
Effects of supply-side reform take time to be seen
Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi to meet Kerry
Chinese stocks surge on back of MSCI rumors
Liang avoids jail in shooting death
US Weekly
![]()
|
![]()
|