China's move to expand its visa-free transit policy has sparked a surge in global interest in traveling to the country, making "China Travel" one of the most popular topics worldwide.
Earlier this month, China announced a significant relaxation of its visa-free transit policy, aiming to further boost international openness and people-to-people exchanges.
The National Immigration Administration (NIA) of China said the permitted stay for eligible foreign travelers has been extended from the previous 72 and 144 hours to 240 hours, or 10 days.
The Washington Post reported that "China is loosening its visa policy, allowing some travelers to stay in the country for up to 10 days without a visa." A regional product manager for Audley Travel, specializing in China, noted that the country has made significant efforts to improve accessibility, as quoted in the report.
Through travel, international tourists have experienced the achievements of Chinese modernization and gained a new perspective on a confident, open, civilized, and safe China. With more direct, active, and positive engagement, these travelers are sharing Chinese stories from their own viewpoints.
In southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, tailor-made travel group tours have become particularly popular among overseas tourists.
A local tourism agency manager noted that the number of inquiries and bookings from Europe and the U.S. has significantly increased since the stay was extended to 240 hours.
"The inquiry volume has doubled, thanks to stimulation by the 240-hour visa-free transit policy. Some tourist destinations are fully booked until May," said Zheng Lidong, manager of a tourism agency in Chongqing.
Data show that around 78,000 international tourist arrivals have been made through the Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport so far this year, a 30-fold increase compared to last year.
In Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, the number of overseas tourists has risen steadily, with a more than 30 percent average month-on-month growth. Local authorities have also launched a free one-day tour service.
"Such a great opportunity because I am transiting like 10 hours. This is better than I could have asked for," said a tourist from France.
In Shanghai, group tour bookings from South Korea have surged, with more young South Koreans flying in to visit various tourist destinations.
"Compared to those on the Hangang River, the buildings on the Huangpu River have different architectural lighting," said a tourist from South Korea.
"It feels perfect for wedding photos, so we decided to take them here. We love the view -- it's more exotic than in Seoul," said a groom from South Korea.
Data from a tourism platform show that bookings from South Korea to Shanghai have increased by over 180 percent year-on-year since the entry into effect of the visa-free policy for South Korean travelers to China on November 8.
China travel booms as more visitors take advantage of expanded visa-free policy
China travel booms as more visitors take advantage of expanded visa-free policy
