In China, a new trend is changing the way people travel. Young travelers are hiring “travel buddies” or local guides to show them around and keep them company. These guides are often students or young people who charge a daily fee to take tourists to popular spots like Shanghai Disneyland.
Chen Zhipeng, a 21-year-old university student, has been working as a guide at Shanghai Disneyland for over four years. He charges around 1,000 yuan (4,900 baht) per day to take tourists around the park. Chen says that most people come to the park with friends or family, but those who come alone can feel lonely. That’s where he comes in – to keep them company and make sure they have a good time.
Another guide, He Yue, a 23-year-old from Shanghai, charges around 500 yuan (2,000 baht) per day to take tourists around the city. She also helps them take photos and joined them for meals. He Yue says that she can earn more money from guiding tourists than from her regular job at a media company.
According to a study by the Fudan Development Institute, young Chinese people are more likely to spend their money on experiences that bring them happiness, like travel and food, rather than on long-term assets like houses or cars. This is because they have limited vacation time and want to make the most of it.
Shanghai Disneyland itself offers a VIP tour service, but it’s expensive – starting at around 4,400 yuan (19,840 baht) per person. That’s why many tourists are turning to unofficial guides like Chen and He Yue, who offer a more affordable and personalized experience.
One tourist, Xue Yunlin, a 23-year-old teacher from Shenyang, traveled over 2,000 kilometers to visit Shanghai Disneyland last month. She didn’t have any friends to travel with, so she hired a guide through social media. Xue says that having someone to talk to and explore the park with made the experience more enjoyable – it felt like traveling with a real friend.
According to a report by Sinolink Securities, the market value of China’s “tourism companion” economy could reach 50 billion yuan by the end of 2025. This could provide new job opportunities for young people, especially those aged 16-24, who face an unemployment rate of around 15.8 percent.
How it works
These travel buddies often advertise their services on social media platforms. They offer customized tour packages, including transportation, food, and accommodation. Some guides also provide additional services like photography and language translation.
Benefits for tourists
Having a travel buddy can make a big difference for tourists, especially those who are traveling alone. They can provide:
- Local knowledge and insights
- Language assistance
- Companionship and social interaction
- Personalized tour experiences
Opportunities for young guides
The rise of the tourism companion economy in China provides new opportunities for young people to earn money and gain work experience. Many guides are students or recent graduates who are looking for part-time or flexible work. By offering their services as travel buddies, they can earn a decent income and develop valuable skills in areas like communication, problem-solving, and customer service.