Small, lesser-known but unique Chinese destinations are drawing larger crowds of foreign tourists.
From the bustling capital Beijing to the mountainous city of Zhangjiajie in central China's Hunan Province, China is abuzz with an influx of foreign tourists.
The inbound tourism surge follows an expansion of China's 144-hour visa-free transit policy in July. Under the policy, foreign nationals from 54 countries such as the United States, Canada, and Britain are eligible for the 144-hour visa-free policy for the purpose of short-term activities such as travel and business visits.
This summer, Greek photographer George Dopas traveled to Dali Dong Village, known for its 240-year history and unique stilt-style wooden houses, in Rongjiang County of southwest China's Guizhou Province.
He said he's particularly fascinated by the unique culture of the ethnic Dong people, their traditional mortise and tenon wooden structures, and ancient courtyards and stone bridges.
He hopes to capture the stunning natural landscapes, unique local lifestyles, and rich historical narratives of China through his lens.
"In China I became a better photographer, I think. China is full of, first of all, it has a very rich history, a great culture and amazing nature. Also, the ethnic groups that I'm very interested in are all over the country. People here keep alive their traditions, their culture, their habits. That's what makes this place very unique, because the traditions do not die with time. It's always very much alive," said Dopas.
As many share their experiences online, "China Travel" has become a buzzword on social media platforms around the world. Their stories offer fresh perspectives and give people a more comprehensive and authentic view of China.
"First, there are more destinations for tourists to choose from, and there has been a noticeable increase in the number of foreign visitors to small and medium-sized cities surrounding big cities. Secondly, they're not just visiting scenic spots but also going to marketplaces and watching performances. And lastly, foreign tourists tend to prefer self-guided tours instead of group tours, so they get to see China in a more realistic and comprehensive way," said Dai Bin, director of the data center at the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
Small, unique Chinese destinations lure foreign tourists
