Tourists’ Dangerous Social Media Stunts in China: Rising Fatalities and Precautions

Tourists seeking social media fame in China are risking their lives, leading to fatal incidents and stricter safety measures.

At a Glance

Chinese social media influencers under scrutiny for promoting dangerous “wild trips.”
Recent Sichuan province flood resulted in seven tourist deaths.
Calls for stricter regulations and safety alerts from platforms.
Chinese government campaigns to regulate social media content.

Fatal Consequences of Social Media Fame

In China, an alarming trend has emerged where tourists risk their lives for social media fame, culminating in numerous fatal incidents. Influencers are promoting “wild trips” to off-grid locations, leading to tragic accidents such as the flood in Sichuan province on 13 August, which killed seven tourists and injured eight. The Sichuan valley, where the flood occurred, is known for being a flood discharge channel prone to floods and mudslides.

The concept of “wild trips” or “yeyou” became popular in China around 2020, offering an alternative to traditional holidays during COVID-19 restrictions. This trend allowed people to enjoy nature without long trips or large crowds, spurring a boom in outdoor equipment sales. However, the risks associated with these trips are substantial, leading to calls for more scrutiny of how these destinations are promoted online.

Recently, "China Travel" has become a trending search term on multiple global social media platforms as international tourists are flocking to China's famed scenic spots and sharing their experiences online. #ChinaTravel #travel #tourism #CulturalJourney pic.twitter.com/NwW9be37v0

— China Daily (@ChinaDaily) July 14, 2024

Government and Public Response

Chinese regulators are taking action to curb this dangerous behavior. The two-month “spring clean” of social media, initiated by the Cyberspace Administration of China, aims to regulate how destinations are presented and ensure safety alerts are issued where necessary. This initiative, known as the Qinglang campaign, seeks to prevent influencers from displaying extravagant lifestyles and promoting unsafe destinations.

“Chinese regulators are in the process of wrapping up a two-month ‘spring clean’ of the country’s social media,” according to The Conversation.

Despite these measures, influencers face backlash from internet users who criticize them for promoting dangerous destinations. Posts promoting Longcaogou, where the Sichuan flood occurred, have been deleted from platforms like Douyin and Little Red Book. Legal experts suggest that media platforms and content creators should bear some responsibility for issuing safety alerts and monitoring content effectively.

Thai police threaten to deport and ban Chinese influencer for offensive remarks https://t.co/bR3mRWB9oK

— South China Morning Post (@SCMPNews) December 23, 2023

Rise of Social Media Influence

China has the largest number of internet and social media users globally, with about 1.02 billion users as of 2022. The Qinglang campaign reflects the increasing politicization of popular culture and the substantial power social media holds in China. The campaign enjoys significant public support, echoing the Chinese social conservatism’s preference for equal wealth distribution.

“I would say the biggest difference between my U.S. networks and my China networks is the level of interactivity. A reflection of this is in the rise of Live Streaming in China. Though live streaming exists in the U.S., there isn’t the same culture of obsession of live streaming stars that there is in China,” wrote David Meerman Scott.

Safety remains the primary concern for tourists. The incidents in Sichuan emphasize the need for responsible travel and careful consideration of the risks associated with seeking social media fame. As authorities continue to introduce rigorous safety measures and awareness initiatives, the message is clear: preserving one’s life takes precedence over virtual recognition.