Destination self-improvement

Partnering with Singapore-based EQ World that delivers Enneagram (examining core beliefs) and emotional intelligence programs, she designed retreats where managers could punch stress away in wheat-field boxing sessions, realign their minds through sound baths with Tibetan bowls, and debate AI strategy by day before unwinding in ancient-looking lantern-lit alleys by night.

As workplace stress after the COVID-19 pandemic mounted, her arrangement evolved into something of "healing study tourism", which has been popular among overworked professionals.

"They have quite enjoyed our curated blend of skill-building, emotional release, and cultural immersion designed to combat burnout," Hu says.

Since 2023, enrollments to her program have surged 300 percent, with auto and tech firms like Geely allocating budgets once reserved for hard-skills training to these hybrid escapes, she notes.

"It's about hitting pause," Hu explains.

"Urban professionals don't just need vacations, they need journeys that rebuild their capacity to think and lead."

Hu owes the success of her business to responding to specific workplace anxieties — the relentless rat race and the isolation of entrepreneurship.

Even some local authorities now tap her for public initiatives, like the Ningbo human resources and social securities bureau offering her aromatherapy techniques to strained office workers.

The market's demand has Hu believing that her business is more than a post-pandemic fad.

She is now preparing to expand beyond Zhejiang, as her clients have given her positive feedback.

"It's my understanding that they now view travel not as escape, but as intentional space to heal, grow, and return stronger," she says.

In January, the State Council, China's Cabinet, released a list of measures to foster new growth points in the culture and tourism sectors, and boost related consumption. It has given the sector a shot in the arm.

Gao Lili, vice-curator of the Sino-Foreign Enamel Gallery in Beijing, says the gallery is planning to expand its efforts in promoting online teaching to impart the charm of the art form.

Since 2016, the gallery has served as more than a museum that offers a close look at the delicate enamel works and transforms into a vibrant platform for the public to pick up skills behind enamel art.

A hallmark of the gallery is its immersive learning programs, which range from introductory experiences to long-term artisanal training. These include both high-temperature and low-temperature cloisonne techniques, allowing participants to explore the complete process, from wire setting to enameling, firing and polishing.

"We have programs where participants can go through the full crafting process of cloisonne," Gao says.

"Some of our standout programs include a buy-back model — if a student creates an exceptional piece, we purchase it," she adds.