In the industrial hubs of China, the traditional school field trip is being replaced by something more high-tech and aspirational. Families are increasingly bypassing museums and theme parks to secure spots on factory tours at Xiaomi, NIO, and Xpeng. These manufacturing plants, once closed-off zones of production, have transformed into theaters of national pride, where parents and children watch robots assemble the "new energy" vehicles that now dominate the global market.
The phenomenon is rooted in a cultural trend known as *jī wá*, or "chicken babying," a term describing the relentless drive of middle-class parents to "pump up" their children with every possible competitive advantage. In this high-pressure environment, every free hour must be optimized. Visiting an EV assembly line isn't just a day out; it is a pedagogical exercise designed to expose children to the cutting edge of domestic innovation, often complete with certificates of attendance to prove the educational value.
Demand for these tours has reached a fever pitch, resulting in months-long waiting lists and a secondary market where tickets are resold at a premium, much like high-profile concerts. For the automakers, these visits serve as a potent mix of brand marketing and social theater. By opening their doors, they are not just selling cars; they are cementing their role as the architects of a technological future, fueled by a domestic battery industry that currently accounts for 80 percent of global production.
With reporting from Xataka.
Source · Xataka
