Chinese Travelers Turn Textbooks Into Global Treasure Hunts

Imagine opening your high school textbook and seeing a photo of the Pyramids of Giza, then years later standing in that exact spot, textbook in hand, ready to hide it for the next curious traveler to find.

That's exactly what Chinese tourists have been doing since last November in a viral movement called "textbook relay." Travelers post photos of themselves holding textbooks at the exact landmarks pictured on the covers, then hide the books for others to discover and sign.

It started when visitors to Egypt began photographing their junior high history textbooks, which feature the Pyramids and Sphinx on the cover, at the actual monuments. Soon they were tucking the books behind trash bins and between ancient stones, adding pens so finders could leave messages inside.

The trend exploded across social media platform Xiaohongshu, where the hashtag "travel with textbooks" has racked up over 26 million views. Chinese students in the UK continued the relay in March by hiding English textbooks near Big Ben, a landmark featured prominently on their book covers.

One treasure hunter reported finding seven textbooks around Big Ben alone, hidden under lamp posts, behind telephone booths, and near the River Thames. The messages inside range from simple travel wishes to deeper reflections like "Hope everyone who learns about the world through books can see it in person."

The relay has reached Italy's Colosseum and France's Louvre Museum, where textbooks featuring these landmarks now hide in bushes and behind ticket offices. One participant told media that seeing her textbook image "come to life" felt like her education had come full circle.

Why This Inspires

This trend shows how simple objects can bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world wonder. These aren't expensive souvenirs or elaborate installations, just everyday textbooks transformed into symbols of curiosity and connection.

The movement has gained support from unexpected places. A Chinese restaurant near Big Ben now offers free drinks to participants, while a hotpot restaurant sent its panda mascot to pose with hidden books. Even Chinese embassies have promoted the activity.

The relay reflects a broader shift in Chinese tourism toward educational travel. Travel agencies now offer textbook-themed routes, and historic sites reward visitors who engage with their materials. At poet Du Fu's former residence in Sichuan province, anyone who memorizes 83 classical poems about the region receives lifetime free admission.

What makes this trend special is its simplicity and accessibility. Anyone with a textbook and a plane ticket can participate, turning ordinary tourist moments into meaningful exchanges between strangers who share the same educational memories.

The relay proves that sometimes the best souvenirs aren't things you take home, but connections you leave behind for others to discover.