by Xinhua writer Gao Shan

LAS VEGAS, United States, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- Beyond pandas and the Great Wall, high-tech innovation is emerging as a new draw for international visitors eager to experience China, tourism professionals told Xinhua at IMEX America 2026, which wrapped up Thursday.

Industry insiders said that while China continues to attract visitors with its rich history, vibrant culture and diverse landscapes, its rapid advances in science and technology are offering new ways to experience the country.

As a major global trade show for the meetings, events and incentive travel industry, the three-day event drew around 3,700 exhibitors from event planning, hotels and other sectors worldwide.

Visitors stopped by the China exhibition booth for discussions and business meetings on the country's technological capabilities and innovative strength.

They told Xinhua that foreign tourists are drawn to experiences ranging from climbing the Mutianyu Great Wall with robotic exoskeletons to having coffee delivered by drones and charging phones wirelessly at bus stops.

Lutti Colautto, CEO of Brazilian company Lampada.ag, a pioneer in the live marketing market, said he had returned from China about a month earlier after visiting Guangzhou, Liuzhou and Shanghai.

Marveling at China's achievements in electric vehicles, artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and new retail models, he shared his experiences on social media. "Twenty days in China changed the way I think about innovation, technology and business," he wrote.

"My feeling was that I was in the future," he said, noting that China's advances in AI and the development of future cities make the country particularly appealing.

China is not just a travel destination, but also an important place to learn about technological innovation, broaden business perspectives and explore future growth opportunities, he said.

Varun Doshi, founder of Canada's Yatriseva travel agency, said China's strong manufacturing sector and numerous high-tech industries had left a deep impression on his clients.

Many of his clients from Canada and India, who work in industries such as furniture and machinery, visit China annually.

"Recently, the trend is that they also want to take their families to China because they also want the families to learn how China is advancing with the world, and how beautiful the country is, how beautiful the people are, how hardworking the people are," he added.

Antoine Herblot, a French travel agent at China's tour operator Jade Dragon DMC, said social media platforms such as TikTok, YouTube and Rednote showcase not only China's tourist attractions but also its modern lifestyle and technological advances.

"I can feel the new generation is more and more interested in China, and so many efforts have been made by the Chinese government to open to the world," he noted.