Illustration: Xia Qing/GT

IShowSpeed may not be a familiar name to most Americans because he is neither an actor nor an athlete, an entertainer nor a musician. At just 20 years old, Speed, whose real name is Darren Jason Watkins, Jr, is a YouTube star and social media influencer. Because he connects well with teenagers and young adults, Speed has the potential to influence their attitudes in some ways.

In the coming months, if the opinions that young Americans have of China improve, IShowSpeed might be one of the reasons why. While younger Americans are already more inclined to have an open mind about China, improvement is still needed.

It's important to keep in mind that there's a larger story at play: the increasing openness of China to international visitors. This is linked to a decision announced by China's National Immigration Administration in December 2024, which allows citizens of more than 50 nations, including the US, to visit the country for up to 10 days without the need for a visa, provided they travel to a third country. There has never been a more convenient opportunity for millions of people around the world to experience China.

International visitors are doing just that. Recent data indicate that as of mid-March, over 8.8 million foreigners entered China through ports of entry, marking a 34.9 percent increase year-on-year. That averages to more than 300,000 people per month; if this trend continues for 12 months, it would mean that over 36 million people could experience China firsthand in 2025. In 2024, 20.115 million foreign nationals entered China visa-free.

The vast size of China ensures that there is something for everyone. The internationally recognized website Lonely Planet, which offers travel recommendations, suggests that Beijing, the capital city, is a must-see for any trip to China, with its historical sites and cultural hotspots. It also notes that art lovers should visit Dunhuang in Northwest China's Gansu Province; hikers should explore Yunnan Province in Southwest China; and those wishing to experience the globally beloved pandas should go to Chengdu in Southwest China's Sichuan Province.

Those few examples validate that whether someone prefers the big city or a smaller location, China's front door has never been opened as wide as it currently is. Taking American visitors into consideration, what will US citizens experience when they walk through that door? They will interact with Chinese citizens, and that experience will be enhanced by showing respect for China's history and traditions. Let's face it: The Chinese people are not all that different from Americans. They can be serious when necessary, but they also know how to have fun. They love their country and its historical places, and they want more people to enjoy them. 

Sure, you and I might not qualify as social media influencers, but that's beside the point. At no point in recent history has there been a better opportunity to gain a greater appreciation for, and perhaps understanding of, China. Doing so ensures that private citizens, no matter the country they call home, will help create a narrative about China that is more realistic and multifaceted than what is typically heard through mainstream Western media. 

Seeing China through your own eyes will surely lead to the conclusion that the Chinese people are kind and warm and China is a country that loves peace, is committed to development and has diverse facets. Change the narrative about China. See and then share the goodness of its people. Discover the wonder that tourists experience, whether they are on the Great Wall, the Bund or somewhere off the beaten path. Writing your story will involve celebrating the genuine good nature of the Chinese people and affirming that truth and empathy matter, especially in a world where chaos is all too common.

The author is an associate professor at the Department of Communication and Organizational Leadership at Robert Morris University. opinion@globaltimes.com.cn