China Daily has expanded its English-language smart-tourism platform “China Bound” with a dedicated Dunhuang sub-portal and matching WeChat mini-programme, launched on 13 February (global.chinadaily.com.cn). The portal bundles itinerary planning, ticket and hotel booking, AI chat assistance, and payment tools into one interface designed specifically for international travellers.
Dunhuang—a Silk-Road oasis famed for the Mogao Grottoes—sees growing interest from overseas tourists now that visa-free entry for 45 nations is in effect. The new site’s seven themed sections (“Uniquely in Dunhuang”, “Know Before You Go”, etc.) provide practical arrival tips, currency conversion, and even real-time transport updates. A multilingual AI assistant answers questions such as “Which cave murals require advance reservation?” or “Where can I buy a local eSIM?” (global.chinadaily.com.cn).
![Smart-Tourism Platform ‘China Bound’ Adds Dunhuang to Help Foreign Visitors]()
From a mobility perspective, the tool reduces friction for expatriates and business travellers who often combine client visits in Gansu with leisure trips. Because it sits inside both WeChat and Alipay, users can link international bank cards—an area China has been upgrading to improve the foreign-payment experience.
Local authorities say the model will be replicated for other lesser-known cities, supporting Beijing’s strategy to disperse inbound tourism beyond Tier-1 hubs. Companies running incentive trips or relocation orientation programmes could leverage the platform to cut ground-handling costs while offering richer cultural immersion.
Dunhuang—a Silk-Road oasis famed for the Mogao Grottoes—sees growing interest from overseas tourists now that visa-free entry for 45 nations is in effect. The new site’s seven themed sections (“Uniquely in Dunhuang”, “Know Before You Go”, etc.) provide practical arrival tips, currency conversion, and even real-time transport updates. A multilingual AI assistant answers questions such as “Which cave murals require advance reservation?” or “Where can I buy a local eSIM?” (global.chinadaily.com.cn).
From a mobility perspective, the tool reduces friction for expatriates and business travellers who often combine client visits in Gansu with leisure trips. Because it sits inside both WeChat and Alipay, users can link international bank cards—an area China has been upgrading to improve the foreign-payment experience.
Local authorities say the model will be replicated for other lesser-known cities, supporting Beijing’s strategy to disperse inbound tourism beyond Tier-1 hubs. Companies running incentive trips or relocation orientation programmes could leverage the platform to cut ground-handling costs while offering richer cultural immersion.
Source: China Daily Global
