Shanghai has witnessed a significant rise in foreign arrivals this year, fueled by the country's expanded visa-free policies and an increase in international flights.
In the first 11 months of the year, the number of foreign visitors arriving at Shanghai's ports exceeded 4 million, double the number from the same period last year. Of these, over 1.37 million were visa-free arrivals, a remarkable 3.8 times increase compared to the previous year.
Starting on Saturday, China extended its visa-free policy to include nine additional countries, including Bulgaria and Japan. With this expansion, the country now offers unilateral visa-free entry to nationals from 38 countries. The maximum visa-free stay has also been extended from 15 to 30 days, further enhancing the appeal of Shanghai as a gateway to China.
One clear example of this growing trend was seen on Saturday when Japan Airlines flight JL891 from Tokyo landed at the Shanghai Pudong International Airport. Of the 152 passengers on board, 26 Japanese travelers took advantage of the new visa-free policy. All passengers completed their immigration procedures within just 30 minutes, underscoring the efficiency of Shanghai's border control.
"I hope for stronger friendship between Japan and China. It's becoming easier for Japanese people to visit China and for Chinese people to visit Japan," said a Japanese traveler.
On the same day, a total of 8,427 passengers from countries including Germany, Australia, and Malaysia took advantage of the visa-free entry policy at the Pudong Airport. A Danish visitor praised the swift and seamless immigration process.
"Through the visa, now it went incredibly fast. And this time, unfortunately, it will be a bit short vacation for me. But next time, I'll be sure to use the full 30 days," he said.
With the continuous growth in international arrivals, Shanghai is solidifying its position as one of the most popular entry points for global travelers to China.
Shanghai sees surge in foreign arrivals amid expanded visa-free policies
A photo exhibition dedicated to the Flying Tigers kicked off on Saturday in Urumqi, capital of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.
Co-sponsored by the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation and Xinjiang's government departments, the exhibition features 312 rare photographs and six artifacts, highlighting the enduring friendship between Chinese and American people.
Jeffrey Greene, chairman of the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation, expressed hope that the exhibition tour would help more people know about the history of the close cooperation between China and the U.S. in the fight against Japanese invaders during World War II.
"We have many, 50 plus schools throughout China. Most of them we've visited. We have 25 schools in America. So anyway, the significance is we can talk in a way that no other group can talk. We have something in common. The thing in common is what the American pilots and the Chinese people did together 80 years ago," said Greene.
Besides the photo exhibition, the delegation from the Sino-American Aviation Heritage Foundation also went to Xinjiang University and other places to award the title of "Flying Tigers Friendship School" to seven schools in Xinjiang.
"The story of the Flying Tigers is well known in China. I believe that the story and spirit of the Flying Tigers symbolize justice, peace, friendship and cooperation. This event is also an opportunity to tell the story of Xinjiang and amplifies the image of Xinjiang to the American public," said Xu Guixiang, Secretary of Party Committee of the Foreign Affairs Office under the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region People's Government.
The Flying Tigers, officially known as the American Volunteer Group of the Chinese Air Force, was formed in 1941 by U.S. General Claire Lee Chennault. They came to China to help Chinese people fight the invading Japanese troops.
While the Flying Tigers did not directly engage in enemy forces in Xinjiang, they share a lesser-known connection to the autonomous region.
During World War II, the Flying Tigers made attempts to establish alternative flight routes over the Himalayas, known as the Hump route, to circumvent Japan's blockade of strategic materials.
The foundation initiated the Flying Tigers Friendship School and Young Leaders Program in 2022 to promote the spirit of the Flying Tigers among Chinese and American students and deepen mutual respect and cooperation. To date, the program has partnered with nearly 60 schools across China.
Flying Tigers exhibition in Xinjiang highlights China-US friendship
