How does a London theater star become a Chengdu regular? Katie Hutton, known for her role in Singin' in the Rain on London's West End, just spilled her 2026 guide to authentic living in China's spicy food capital 🌶️.
"RedNote became my treasure map," Hutton told GoChengdu, explaining how she uses the social platform to find hidden tea houses and street food stalls favored by locals. Her pro move? Adding bubble tea shop owners on WeChat to get real-time updates about limited-edition flavors 🧋.
This digital-first approach helped the actress transform from tourist to temporary local: "When I message my baozi vendor about tomorrow's specials, I'm not just visiting – I'm participating."
Young travelers are taking notes 📱: 72% of Gen Z explorers now prioritize "local immersion" over traditional sightseeing, according to 2026 travel trend reports. Hutton's story proves that in China's tech-savvy cities, your smartphone might be the ultimate cultural bridge 🌉.
