SHANGHAI, May 26 (Xinhua) -- As the "China Travel" hashtag goes viral across global social media platforms, China has witnessed a sustained boom in inbound tourism, with Shanghai as the first leg.

Liu Lichao discovered something unexpected while cycling with his overseas clients when he still worked in the financial sector. People from different cultural backgrounds tend to relax naturally during cycling, which makes communication more easily.

Liu became a full-time inbound tourism planner in 2024, designing tailored tours that unveil the authentic and vivid side of Chinese cities to international visitors.

For Liu, cycling is an ideal way to expose foreign tourists to the real Shanghai. He takes his clients to the romantic former French Concession area, the historic alley houses, and garden villas on Nanchang Road, as well as eateries that serve freshly made snacks. Rather than dashing among landmarks and places of interest, he lets the ride unfold organically, chatting about whatever catches their eyes along the way.

"It's a bilateral cultural exchange," Liu says, adding, "What I want to show is the genuine and daily side of my country."