China stays committed to facilitating cross-border travel: spokeswoman

China will stay committed to facilitating the exchange of personnel with other countries, and welcomes friends from all other countries to experience first-hand China's fascination and share China's development dividends, a Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said on Wednesday, in responding to the current "China travel" boom following China's announcement of visa-free policy for more countries.

"Since the end of last year, China has announced visa-free policy for 38 countries. China now enjoys comprehensive mutual visa exemption with 25 other countries. In the meantime, through improving the visa application form, providing walk-in without appointment visa application service, exempting more applicants from fingerprinting, lowering visa fees and other measures, we have made our visa procedures more efficient and convenient," said Mao Ning, the spokeswoman, at a press conference in Beijing.

"While streamlining procedures for people traveling to China, we also stay committed to helping foreigners work and live more conveniently and comfortably in China. Provincial-level regions including Beijing, Shanghai and Guangdong have improved payment services involving mobile terminals, bank cards and cash, so that foreigners will have smoother experience regarding online shopping and transportation," Mao said.

"China's telecom operators have added service outlets, upgraded foreign language services and launched new service packages, among other ways, to provide foreigners with easier accesses to 5G networks. And more and more Chinese cities have opened special channels to provide one-stop services for foreigners regarding work permits and residence permits," said the spokeswoman.

"China will stay committed to facilitating the exchange of personnel between China and other countries. Welcome to friends from all other countries to come to China, to experience first-hand China's charm and share China's development dividends," she said.

China stays committed to facilitating cross-border travel: spokeswoman

China stays committed to facilitating cross-border travel: spokeswoman

Fu Bao, an internet-famous panda princess, was seen demonstrating her remarkable flexibility as the beloved bear gracefully stretched while indulging in a feast of bamboo shoots.

The adorable moment was captured at the Wolong Shenshuping Base of the China Conservation and Research Center for Giant Pandas (CCRCGP) in Sichuan Province.

Fu Bao's playful antics didn't stop there. In another adorable clip, the panda cub was seen relaxing on a wooden bed, rubbing her chubby feet together in a heartwarming display of self-comfort.

Born on July 20, 2020, at South Korea's Everland amusement park, Fu Bao, meaning "lucky treasure" in English, is the daughter of giant panda pair Ai Bao and Le Bao, who were sent to the South Korea from China in 2016 on a 15-year lease.

As the first giant panda born in South Korea, Fu Bao captured the hearts of millions worldwide, becoming an internet sensation and a source of joy.

After nearly four years abroad, Fu Bao returned to her ancestral homeland of Sichuan Province in April 2024. The beloved panda made her much-anticipated public debut on June 12th.

The CCRCGP is a world-leading institution dedicated to breeding and conserving one of China's national treasures, the giant panda. The center has also established a global platform for promoting international cooperation and exchanges involving 18 zoos from 16 countries and regions, 39 domestic animal breeding institutions, and over 10 scientific research institutes.

Giant panda star Fu Bao practices Yoga while snacking