For most travelers, losing a checked suitcase is a nightmare. But Chinese travelers have found a way to prevent their luggage from being stolen or mistakenly taken: adding decorative, personalized elements to their suitcases. That might not sound unique if you’re just thinking of tags and stickers, but some of these jet-setters are taking a different approach — printing out huge images of their faces.

Young Chinese travelers, especially students, are printing photos of themselves directly onto customized luggage covers. These personalized designs often include bilingual warnings such as: “This luggage belongs to [the person in the photo]. Don’t take it by mistake.” In some cases, travelers even include “before and after makeup” versions of themselves in their photos, ensuring that their identity is unmistakably clear. Groups of friends sometimes coordinate their designs: in one video, five young travelers proudly pose with suitcases adorned with pictures of them making exaggerated facial expressions. Their enthusiasm drew smiles from foreign tourists, who even requested photos with the group.

For those seeking extra security, fúlù (符箓), a kind of traditional Chinese talisman related to Daoism, add a symbolic layer of protection. These talismans bring a touch of mystical charm to suitcases, and apparently also safeguard your personal belongings. Other travelers are taking a more humorous and contemporary approach by decorating their suitcases with stickers of K-pop idols or memes from Chinese internet culture — designs that often bewilder outsiders, making accidental mix-ups less likely.

This trend is transcending its practical origins to become a vibrant expression of identity and culture. By customizing their suitcases, young Chinese travelers are not only protecting their belongings but also showcasing their creativity and cultural pride on the international stage.

Banner image via 爆炒大眼鱼 on Xiaohongshu.