CreatripTeam

A growing trend among Chinese Gen Z tourists called "special forces" travel focuses on extreme efficiency and low cost, inspired by military-style endurance. Travelers skip hotels, sometimes sleeping in 24-hour McDonald’s, use convenience store meals, walk between free sights like Victoria Harbour and The Peak, and pack many attractions into short trips. Social media platforms (e.g., Rednote, Douyin) share tips for this method. While visitor numbers to Hong Kong rose year-on-year, retail revenue fell, suggesting more low-spending tourists and added crowding. Experts say the trend reflects social pressure and "time anxiety," and could hurt short-term local income though may pay off if these young tourists gain future purchasing power. (Rednote: a Chinese social app; Douyin: Chinese TikTok)