The 2025 Spring Festival in China was not just a celebration of tradition but also a testament to the country’s rapid modernization in catering to international tourists. This year, intangible cultural heritage-themed experiences became the highlight for inbound visitors, allowing them to immerse themselves fully in the vibrant atmosphere of the Chinese New Year.
According to data from the National Immigration Administration, there were 14.37 million cross-border movements recorded during this Spring Festival, marking a 6.3 percent increase compared to the same period last year. This uptick highlights the growing allure of China as a top travel destination for global citizens.
One of the key drivers behind this surge is the enhanced payment infrastructure that China has rolled out to meet the diverse needs of its international visitors. Since last year, "China Travel" has emerged as a global buzzword, synonymous with innovation and traveler-friendly services. Visitors can now enjoy seamless transactions through QR code scanning, tap-to-pay, card-code integration, and easier access to cash withdrawals, making their stay more convenient than ever before.
At the launch ceremony for a payment service demonstration zone along Beijing's Central Axis on March 1, Sun Shuo, deputy mayor of Beijing, emphasized the city’s leadership in pioneering these financial solutions. "Our goal is to make every visitor’s experience effortless and memorable by integrating cutting-edge payment technologies," Sun stated.
This strategic move not only enhances the tourist experience but also positions China as a forward-thinking destination ready to embrace the needs of modern travelers. As a result, businesses and service providers are seeing increased engagement, further fueling the country’s economic and cultural dynamism.
Reference(s):
China travel: Enhanced payment services fuel inbound tourism growth
cgtn.com
