China is steadily developing the format of industrial tourism, turning ordinary factories into full-fledged visitor attractions. If in the past production sites remained “closed zones” for most people, today you can see how high-tech products are made not from an advertising clip, but in person, walking through the workshops as part of a guided tour. The formula “industry + tourism” is gradually becoming part of urban infrastructure and a new form of leisure.
One of the most prominent examples of this approach is the Xiaomi plant in Beijing, where electric vehicles are assembled. Not only investors and business partners are eager to visit this facility, but also regular travelers, engineering students, and brand enthusiasts. A route is organized for guests through key stages of production: from stamping and welding of the body to interior assembly and final testing. Visitors can watch robots and automated lines at work, see quality control systems in action, and get a first look at models that have not yet reached showrooms, taking photos with the latest releases.
The authorities and businesses are trying to extend this experience far beyond the automotive sector. There are plans to involve manufacturers of household appliances, light industry, and food processing in industrial tourism. For many families, this format is becoming an alternative to the usual shopping malls: children gain a clear understanding of how production works, while adults get a new perspective on familiar brands and devices they use every day.
This trend also has a deeper meaning. For companies, open tours are a way to build trust in their products and demonstrate their technological level, environmental standards, and production safety. For the state, it is a tool for regional development: popular enterprises attract new services, transport links, hotels, and leisure infrastructure. As a result, factories cease to be just “places of work” and become part of the urban environment that people visit not out of necessity, but out of genuine interest.