China's inbound tourism is experiencing a remarkable surge, with 14.64 million foreign trips recorded in the first half of 2024. This marks a staggering 152.7% increase compared to the same period last year, according to the National Immigration Administration.
The boost in tourism is largely attributed to China's strategic expansion of its visa-free \"circle of friends\" and the implementation of more traveler-friendly policies. In November 2023, China introduced a unilateral visa-free policy for ordinary passport holders from six countries, followed by the inclusion of six additional European nations in March.
Further strengthening bilateral ties, China and Thailand signed a mutual visa exemption agreement in January, effective from March 1. Additionally, in May, China extended visa-free entry for citizens from 12 countries on short-term visits until the end of 2025.
These visa-free initiatives have significantly increased travel between China and other nations. For instance, Air China's Geneva office reported that 6,364 passengers traveled between Geneva and Beijing in March 2024, a 374.9% rise from the previous year following the new visa policies.
Beyond visa exemptions, China has introduced numerous reforms to simplify travel within the country for international visitors. In January, the nation relaxed port visa application requirements and rolled out measures to facilitate business, education, and tourism-related entries.
To enhance the travel experience, China has also streamlined payment processes for foreign tourists. In March, guidelines were released to optimize payment services, promoting cash usage and mobile payments. Major platforms like Alipay and WeChat Pay now allow foreign users to link international credit cards, including Visa and MasterCard. Enhanced payment facilities and comprehensive guides have been made available in scenic spots, shops, metro stations, and hotels.
These initiatives aim to make exploring China more accessible and enjoyable for visitors. The positive response is evident as many tourists share their experiences on social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube, showcasing China's diverse attractions to a global audience.
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China's inbound tourism booms as more foreigners come to visit
cgtn.com
