Investors and entrepreneurs flock to China to study advanced manufacturing
Foreign investors, entrepreneurs and executives have been visiting Chinese factories and tech sites in growing numbers to inspect humanoid robots, AI models and large electric-vehicle plants. Paid programmes and guided tours command high fees, including up to $15,000 for five-day visits, while broader industrial tourism earned $17.8 billion last year and is projected to exceed 300 billion yuan by 2029. Organisers report surging inquiries and regular single-day company tours, and major hubs such as Shenzhen and Xiaomi's EV factory report large visitor increases. The trend is driving due diligence, supply chain interest and anxiety in Western boardrooms about comparative technological leadership.
Foreign investors are paying for China factory tours amid competitiveness concerns
Context
China has promoted industrial tourism and opened official demonstration sites. Foreign delegations now visit factories to study AI, robotics and EV production. More visits could lead to closer supplier ties or renewed policy debates abroad.
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