Maye Musk admires China and its drive for innovation
Renowned model, writer and mother of tech mogul Elon Musk, Maye Musk, has expressed her enduring admiration for China and praised the Chinese people for their relentless pursuit of innovation and their desire to stay "a step ahead."
When a person who has travelled half the world returns to one country for decades and always finds something new, it speaks volumes. For Maye Musk, China is not just a tourist destination but a constantly renewing world where tradition coexists with futuristic cities, and safety and cleanliness are the norm. Her sincere words offer an outside perspective that highlights China's appeal not only through its landmarks but also through its dynamism, openness and the forward‑looking energy of its people.
Maye Musk has been visiting China for several decades, and her popularity in the country surged after the Chinese edition of her memoir "A Woman Makes a Plan" was published in 2020. Her many appearances in Shanghai over the years — from modelling and book promotions to brand events — have cemented her celebrity status across China. On Saturday in Shanghai, speaking with representatives of China Media Group (CMG), the 78‑year‑old Maye Musk said she had already visited 14 Chinese cities, always discovering something new during her travels across this vast country. "I learn something new about every city. We just explore different places, and it's great," she said.
Maye's comments came after a social media exchange with her son, who recently posted on X recommending that his followers visit China. She reposted her son's comments and added her own enthusiastic endorsement, praising China for its cultural charm, clean and safe cities, and hard‑working people. "Elon speaks from the heart and loves China, so he let people know about it. And when I saw it, I said, 'Oh, I've been to more cities than he has,'" she said, recalling the light‑hearted conversation.
Drawing on her personal experience, she cited safety, culture and scenery as the main attractions that continue to draw foreign tourists to China. But she also praised the quality of Chinese products and the progressive mindset of its people. "I've learned about products that I didn't even realise were important. I think you do everything to stay a step ahead, simply because you have very smart people who want to make something special and see what's important in the future," she said. For Maye, the joy of travel lies in discoveries and China's ever‑changing cityscapes, which never cease to amaze her. "Every time I come to Shanghai, I see something new. Another building, another restaurant, or a walk along the Bund — it's beautiful. So I love exploring," she said, recalling her latest trip to Shanghai and its iconic waterfront district.
Maye Musk is not only the mother of Elon Musk but also a successful model, dietitian and bestselling author. Her memoir "A Woman Makes a Plan" became popular in many countries, including China, where she found a huge audience. She is active on social media and often shares her travel impressions. Her son Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has also repeatedly expressed admiration for China, its technological progress and its market. China remains a key market for Tesla, and Maye's visits further strengthen cultural and business ties between the two countries.
As CCTV+ reports, Maye Musk's heartfelt words about China reflect the country's growing appeal to international visitors. Her observations — from safety and cleanliness to product quality and innovative thinking — resonate with the views of millions of tourists who visit China every year. In the era of globalisation, such personal stories become important bridges between cultures, reminding us that behind every economic indicator are people, their impressions and their genuine interest in one another.
