What was once a trip to exotic locales for Chinaβs young people has now shifted to a surprising new destination: the Xiaomi factory. Tickets to tour the facility have become incredibly sought after.
Another phenomenon emerged after the launch of the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra, which quickly became a trending topic with over 10,000 pre-orders in just two hours. Tens of thousands are reportedly vying to visit the Xiaomi factory, with the application process likened to a lottery draw.
The demand is so high that even free tour slots are being resold on second-hand platforms for as much as 2,000 yuan (280 USD), comparable to tickets for popular concerts.
This trend highlights a new level of interest in factory tourism, particularly among young people seeking unique weekend experiences. The appeal of the Xiaomi factory includes the opportunity to witness the advanced technology behind the popular electric vehicle.
The initial registration for Xiaomi factory tours saw a staggering 4,600 applicants. The event could only accommodate 20 people per session, resulting in a very low chance of success. Despite this, enthusiasm remains high, with many willing to travel to Beijing at their own expense for a visit.
According to Xiaomi, the factory tour involves a 40-minute visit to a technology exhibition hall followed by a 20-minute exploration of the production workshop. Visitors can experience test drives and witness the highly automated production line, where only around 100 human workers reportedly oversee a facility capable of producing 20,000 vehicles per month, primarily relying on robotic arms and automated robots.
The combination of high demand, a glimpse into cutting-edge technology, and the overall βceremonyβ of the visit has turned the Xiaomi factory tour into a popular weekend activity for young people, offering a unique and engaging experience beyond typical leisure options.
Xiaomi Auto has experienced significant success since its launch, with demand so high that it has already fulfilled its entire order volume for this year. This overwhelming market reception has placed considerable pressure on Xiaomiβs production capacity, making the launch of its second factory a critical priority. Currently under construction, the second Xiaomi Auto factory is slated to commence production in July or August. Once operational, the two factories will provide a combined annual production capacity of 350,000 vehicles.
