“City Walks” in Beijing: Social Media, Cross-Cultural Representation, and Urban Image Construction

From the perspective of spatial media theory, space can be seen as a medium interacting with people, continuously shaping their perceptions and experiences, and influencing the social and cultural construction of space. Using Beijing “City Walks” as a case study and Xiaohongshu as the research platform, this article examines how this globally popular lifestyle practice is represented and culturally adapted in the Chinese context. The findings suggest that social media notes about Beijing “City Walks” present a more every day, lively, and pluralistic image of the city. This image resonates with local users’ experiences and facilitates cross-cultural communication by juxtaposing local and international interpretations of “City Walk.” Users (“City Walkers”) engage with urban space through media practices – such as mobile mapping, check-ins at landmarks, and observation of natural features – imbuing the city with personalized meanings, collective memories, and temporal narratives. These practices reshape the mediated representations of Beijing and contribute to its urban imaginary in a cross-cultural context. Meanwhile, the creation of meaning through media content, urban planning, and the popularity of cityscapes shapes these practices, contributing to the dynamic construction of Beijing’s urban image across global and local contexts.