China ‘immersive’ fun buses see rise of mobile venues for karaoke, films, dim sum, and more
”City buses” in southern Chinese cities are transforming into mobile entertainment venues, appealing to young consumers who crave immersive experiences during their travels.
Photo: SCMP composite/RedNote In recent years, a new “city bus” trend has been gathering pace in southern China.
It offers a fresh spin on the “city walk” craze and sees buses transformed into roving venues for karaoke, film screenings and even yum cha.
In Guangdong province, some young people are embracing what they see as the most local way to explore the region: using themed public buses to take in the slow rhythms of everyday life.
The pet-friendly bus, above, allows passengers to travel with their furry friends.
Photo: baijiahao.baidu.com While eating is banned on public transport in most mainland cities, passengers on Guangzhou’s red double-decker “Yuetao Bus” can eat dim sum such as shrimp dumplings and steamed pork ribs.
Launched in 2022 by the Guangzhou Bus Group and a local cha chaan teng, the service features interiors inspired by old Cantonese architecture, about eight dim sum options and a panoramic sunroof on the upper deck.
The 90-minute ride, priced between 99 and 128 yuan (US$14 and US$19) per person, passes landmarks including the Guangdong Museum of Art and the Canton Tower, and can be booked through the Guangzhou Sightseeing Bus mini-programme on social media.
Dim Sum-thing special: Travellers can even tuck into food on some buses.
Photo: baijiahao.baidu.com One tourist wrote online: “In this moving teahouse, what matters is not just the food, but the city’s unhurried way of life.
The bus helped me rediscover Guangzhou.” In 2024, Shenzhen introduced breakfast buses, allowing passengers who book a day in advance to pick up soy milk and a breakfast staple for 8 yuan (US$1.15).
The city has also rolled out weekend pet-friendly bus services, with tickets costing 20 yuan (US$3) for either one passenger or one pet.
Some neon-lit buses take to the streets at night, often echoing with song.
On Guangzhou’s Dangdang buses, passengers can watch films, Cantonese opera and magic shows, or sing karaoke on 75-minute rides priced at 40 yuan per person.
The above karaoke bus allows passengers to have a singalong en route.
Photo: baijiahao.baidu.com Tickets for Dangdang buses can be bought at the west square of Guangzhou’s Chen Clan Ancestral Hall scenic area.
According to the Dongguan Daily, Dongguan has also introduced a mobile haircut bus, equipped with three barbe
原文链接: 南华早报