Foreigners Pay Up to $15,000 for China Factory Tours

Chinese factories are becoming a sought-after destination for foreign investors and entrepreneurs who want to see firsthand the country's progress in robotics, artificial intelligence and electric mobility. Some are willing to pay up to $15,000 for these multi-day technology tours.

This growing interest is also linked to concerns that China is gaining a lead in advanced manufacturing. Technology tours are primarily headed to Shenzhen, Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou and Hefei. The GloPen agency recorded a 50% year-over-year increase in demand in 2026.

Beijing is also promoting industrial tourism. More than 140 locations have been designated as official showcase sites. Since March 2024, more than 250,000 people have visited the Xiaomi electric vehicle factory.

However, experts caution that China's technological lead should not be overestimated. Foreign companies continue to hold a significant share of global markets, as well as a wealth of cutting-edge intellectual property and high profits.

(Reuters, sab)