Tourism is a dynamic way to encounter strangers. The deeply rooted Chinese concept of Yuan (缘) was drawn upon in this research to better understand individuals' encounters with strangers during travel. Specifically, this qualitative study systematically conceptualized Yuan-based strangership in a tourism context. Interviews with Chinese emerging adults uncovered a cycle of stranger-dominated socioecological relationships involving the initiation, sociability, intensity, and evolvement of Yuan-based strangership. Results showed that Yuan-connected significant strangers served as partial spectators who helped tourists develop a sense of place in a destination. This study contributes to the literature on strangership, sense of place, self-identity, and emerging adulthood in relation to tourism. Findings also help the tourism industry, families, and individuals in facilitating and embracing Yuan during trips.