Travelling with a Dazi has become an emerging trend among young people, but its underlying rationale remains unclear. Using a qualitative research approach, the phenomenon of travelling with a Dazi was investigated in this study in the context of modern social networks. The results from 41 interviews revealed that travel with a Dazi started with shallow social interaction (weak ties), but as travel and emotional needs deepened, this relationship strengthened. This study extends weak tie theory and social penetration theory, highlighting that the personal characteristics of participants, the outcomes of exchanges and the situational context could lead to a change in the Dazi relationship. The findings initiate new research perspectives on social network studies and offer practical implications for the industry.
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