Tourists chase high-octane thrill in China’s trending biker capital

Chongqing, China, is experiencing a surge in tourism driven by its vibrant motorcycle culture and distinctive cyberpunk aesthetic. Tourists are flocking to the city, drawn by social media videos showcasing rides on gleaming motorbikes through neon-lit streets, often accompanied by hired drivers and videographers.

“

I flew from Shanghai to Chongqing this morning, and the first priority is this shoot

Visitors, like Liu Changqing from Shanghai, prioritize experiencing this trend, even in the sweltering heat, renting motorcycle jackets and posing for photos and videos. The city has become a hub for these personalized video experiences, with sellers actively offering their services to passersby. This phenomenon has gained national prominence, with videos tagged to the trend accumulating over 1.3 billion views on Douyin, China's version of TikTok.

“

They even have make-up artists to help you

While many Chinese cities have imposed restrictions on motorcycling, Chongqing has cultivated an environment where it thrives. This embrace is partly due to the city's long history as a manufacturing hub, particularly for motorcycles, accounting for over a third of China's total production. Unlike other cities dominated by electric scooters, Chongqing remains open to petrol-powered two-wheelers.

“

There is a local saying that if you put a camera at an intersection in Chongqing, every 30 seconds you’ll see a motorcycle pass by

The city's biker reputation is further bolstered by local racing events and the success of Chinese manufacturers, such as ZXMoto, which recently won a prestigious WorldSSP class race. This has sparked increased interest among young people in learning to ride and potentially purchasing motorcycles, creating a "roaring business" for local bikers offering services to tourists and aspiring riders alike.

“

When (tourists) take photos and videos, they may come to like motorbikes and learn to ride, then buy a bike