Skip to Content Facebook Feature Image

Cultural tourism markets across China keep surging during summer

China

Video Player is loading.
Current Time 0:00
Duration -:-
Loaded: 0%
Stream Type LIVE
Remaining Time -:-
Â
1x
    • Chapters
    • descriptions off, selected
    • captions off, selected
      China

      China

      Cultural tourism markets across China keep surging during summer

      2024-08-03 03:34 Last Updated At:04:17

      China has seen continuous upsurge in its cultural tourism market this summer, with a wide range of related activities across the country absorbing growing streams of tourists from both home and abroad.

      A total of 423 million railway passenger trips, averaging 13.63 million per day, were handled by the country's railway departments throughout July, up 4 percent from the same month of 2023, data from the China State Railway Group Co., Ltd. showed.

      Recently, Youyang Tujia and Miao Autonomous County in southwestern China has seen a steady stream of tourists seeking relief from the summer heat. With its green mountains and clear rivers, the county's Muye Village, sitting at an average elevation of over 1,000 meters and having summer temperatures averaging 27 degrees Celsius, has become a popular destination during the summer travel season.

      In east China's Hangzhou, themed light shows in Lvjing Village that illuminate the sky every evening draw many visitors. The dynamic light displays and varied lantern designs make the place a popular photo spot.

      The annual Torch Festival is a traditional celebration for the Yi ethnic group in southwest China's Yunnan Province. In cities like Kunming and Chuxiong, this festival has become a grand summer event, with locals and tourists from across the country lighting torches and dancing around bonfires together.

      "I'm very excited to be here for the first time at the Torch Festival and to experience its lively atmosphere. I hope I can come here again and see the festival continue to thrive. I also wish for life to keep getting better," said Fu Yingchuan, a tourist from the island province of Hainan.

      In addition to domestic tourists, China’s attractions are also drawing many foreign visitors. Recently, Qianmen Street in Beijing, with its diverse selection of traditional Chinese restaurants, has seen more international tourists exploring the local cuisine.

      "I love them (fried sauce noodles). Very good. We had them in the store, and we had to wait in line for a very long time, but it was definitely worth it," said a foreign visitor.

      ""This is [my first time eating Chinese food]. These meat sticks, they are very delicious," said another overseas tourist.

      With China's new travel facilitation measures like the 144-hour visa-free transit policy, making it easier for foreigners to visit, Beijing's ports have seen a significant increase in inbound visitors this year. As of July 29, over 10 million people have passed through Beijing's ports, which is 2.5 times the number from the same period last year and has already exceeded last year's total.

      From July 30, China's island province of Hainan has implemented a new policy allowing tourist groups from Hong Kong and Macao to visit and stay for up to 144 hours without a visa. In recent years, visa-free foreign tourists have made up more than 80 percent of all arrivals in Hainan.

      Cultural tourism markets across China keep surging during summer

      Cultural tourism markets across China keep surging during summer

      Next Article

      Inbound tourism surge fuels consumption boom in Shanghai

      2025-01-20 20:03 Last Updated At:20:47

      The relaxation of visa restrictions by China has triggered a significant surge in international visitors to Shanghai, leading to a substantial increase in consumer spending, as local businesses adapt by upgrading their services to cater to the growing demand from international shoppers.

      Data from the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce points to a notable uptick in inbound foreign trips and related consumption, spurred by the country's ever-growing visa-exemption scheme that grants visa-free entry to more nations and allows for longer stays.

      To capitalize on this trend, Shanghai has rolled out a range of measures to facilitate inbound travel and consumption. Currently, over 65,000 merchants across the city and more than 90,000 payment terminals accept foreign card payments, further strengthening the city's global appeal.

      In Lujiazui, a bustling financial and commercial hub, a popular mall has experienced a spike in foreign visits since the second half of 2024, especially in recent weeks.

      "Our data shows foreign currency spending has risen significantly by approximately 35 percent. Tourists from Japan, South Korea and Thailand contributed the most to this growth. As for merchants, many have introduced menus tailored for foreign customers. In terms of payments, we accept all credit cards, and we also offer foreign currency exchange services right here in our mall," said Zhou Jiaxuan, CEO of the mall's innovation department.

      For international shoppers like South Korean visitor Song Ye-jin, easy payment options have enhanced the overall experience.

      "I can pay using a QR code, which is very convenient. This has been a really happy trip," said Song.

      According to the Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism, the city welcomed over six million inbound tourists in 2024.

      In November, China extended its visa-free policy to nine more countries including South Korea, further boosting inbound tourism. In December 2024 alone, Shanghai's Pudong Airport recorded over 130,000 entries and exits by South Korean passengers.

      Food, sports merchandise and trendy fashion products are among major attractions for foreign shoppers. At another mall on Nanjing Road, one of the city's busiest street, departure tax refunds for foreign travelers have surged by up to 300 percent compared to the same period last year, reflecting the growing spending power of inbound tourists.

      Inbound tourism surge fuels consumption boom in Shanghai

      Inbound tourism surge fuels consumption boom in Shanghai

      Recommended Articles
      Hot · Posts