China has further enhanced payment accessibility for overseas visitors in terms of transportation and tourism.
Upon arriving in Xi'an Xianyang International Airport in northwest China's Shaanxi Province, South African tourist Daniel bought a SIM card at a payment service center for foreigners, and then withdrew some cash with his foreign bank card at an ATM.
"Currently, I've got actually two cards, one debit card and one credit card. Both of them are visa from a bank in my country. And it's being great using them here," he said.
The People's Bank of China, China's central bank, has guided relevant institutions to extend payment facilitation measures to shuttle bus and subways based on the payment service center at airports.
"We've added a ticket counter for foreigners so as to provide better service for them," said Pei Yang, team leader of Xi'an Metro's Zhonglou Station.
By extending visa exemption for more countries, China has seen an increasing number of overseas tourists.
To meet the high demand, many scenic spots have also renovated their payment methods to make traveling much easier for inbound visitors.
Tianmen Mountain scenic spot is a must-go attraction for tourists visiting central China's Hunan Province. So far, merchants in the tourist attraction can accept foreign bank cards, mobile payment or cash.
"We've been to Shanghai, Sichuan and Wuhan, and we always pay with credit card. It's quite easy. I downloaded the Alipay before in Germany, and put the credit card to it," said a German tourist.
More inbound tourists and better payment methods have also pushed up the incomes for merchants.
"Since the introduction of foreign card payment, this year's income has doubled compared to the same period of the previous year," said a merchant.
China further enhances payment accessibility for int'l visitors
Members of China's 41st Antarctic expedition team held a flag-raising ceremony on Tuesday in China's Qinling Station, the country's fifth research station in Antarctic, to ring in the new year.
Many of the team members had participated in the flag-raising ceremony on Feb 7, 2024, when the Qinling Station started operation. This year, with a set of new tasks at hand, the expedition team has welcomed several fresh faces. As it is the first time for the newcomers to come to the station, they will have to face the challenges of the frozen continent head-on.
"I'm extremely excited to attend the flag-raising ceremony, especially here in Antarctica. I feel this is a very meaningful part of my life," said Zhang Hong, a member of the 41st Chinese Antarctic Expedition team.
Fellow team member Guo Dongliang highlighted the mission's scientific focus.
"Our mission this time involves solving hydrogen production, storage, fuel cell power generation, a full-cycle power generation system. it marks its first application in Antarctica and our contribution to China's polar endeavors," said Guo.
Over the years, China's polar research has evolved from the humble beginnings to the establishment of five research stations, from basic fieldwork to a fully mechanized approach, including ships, vehicles, and aircraft, and from survey ships to ice-strengthened ships and icebreakers, highlighting China's more active and constructive role in international polar governance.
On the last day of 2024, with the sun shining 24 hours a day in Antarctica, the Qinling Station appeared as a bustling construction site, from unloading supplies on the shore to operations at the mountaintop.
While the previous expedition focused on constructing the station's basic framework, the current team is tasked with bringing it to life. Their mission includes completing the outdoor pipeline network, establishing new energy and hydrogen energy systems, and finalizing the construction of the scientific research and communication areas.
"Our primary focus during the summer season is to complete essential supporting facilities, such as the new energy systems, fuel tanks, wastewater treatment, seawater desalination, incinerator, and outdoor pipelines. These are crucial for ensuring our ability to withstand the harsh environment during the overwintering period," said Wang Zhechao, chief of Qinling Station of China's 41st Antarctic Expedition.
The Qinling Station will welcome its first overwintering team in 2025.
China's Antarctic expedition team holds flag-raising ceremony to ring in new year
