Meet China's real-life tourism NPCs

In this episode of Round Table, Steve, Yunqi, and Yushan discuss the growing trend of using real people as non-player characters (NPCs) at tourist destinations in China, drawing parallels to similar characters in places like Disneyland and Universal Studios. They explore how these NPCs, often rooted in Chinese history and mythology, enhance the visitor experience by providing immersive storytelling and interaction. The hosts also touch on the business aspects, noting how agencies are managing and training NPC talents, and debate whether this trend is a fleeting fad or a sustainable model for tourism. Finally, Steve shares a personal anecdote about feeling more at home in Beijing, highlighting the small moments and growing sense of community that contribute to this feeling.