Auckland Airport - which is working with wholesale partners in China - with support from Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development, said Dong was known for romantic dramas and TV series and her trip to New Zealand had already received extensive coverage across China on radio, in newspapers and online.
"Being in New Zealand is like a natural detox," Dong said. "The cleanness makes me feel great, and the lifestyle makes me feel really relaxed."
Auckland Airport general manager for aeronautical commercial Glenn Wedlock said the promotional trip presented the Chinese market with more premium products as well as genuine New Zealand experiences such as shearing.
Using people such as celebrities who were seen as influential could help establish the sort of positioning that was wanted in terms of the market and trying to inform people about the variety and quality of product, Wedlock said.
"We're very used to maybe markets that want to go tramping etc or bungy jumping but actually this is a market which is emerging which wants an urbanised product but then mixed in with seeing the scenery ... [and] being able to shop etc."
The project was trying to create a clear connection between what was being talked about in an online space and what product could be bought, he said.
"That's what experience has told us in the past, when you have a promotion like a TV show ... people actually want to buy that."
There was growth of New Zealand as a solo destination, although the country was still largely part of a combined trip with Australia.
"We'll see that market start to mature and split so I think the key for us is to make sure we're positioning it right."
