China ‘immersive’ fun buses see rise of mobile venues for karaoke, films, dim sum, and more
Innovative public transport twist even sees some buses become hairdressing salons; fans say trend turns exhausting commute into adventure
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.
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.
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.”