Travelers can visit Macao easier with new policies since 2025

Travelers holding a valid Hengqin-Macao travel permit can now travel multiple times instead of only once to the Macao Special Administrative Region within a year beginning on Wednesday, the first day of 2025, thanks to the central government's adoption of a new travel facilitation policy.

Early on Nov. 29, 2024, China's Exit-Entry Administration announced that since Jan. 1, 2025, residents whose place of permanent resident registration or residence permit is located in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin in Guangdong can apply for Exit-Entry Permits that allows unlimited times of travels to Macao within a year, with no more than 7 days' staying for one time.

Hengqin is an island in Zhuhai, a prefecture-level city and Special Economic Zone in Guangdong. The Chinese government unveiled a plan in September 2021 to promote the Guangdong-Macao in-Depth Cooperation Zne in Hengqin as a new platform to boost Macao's targeted economic diversification.

The application for a Hengqin-Macao travel permit opened early Wednesday, and eligible residents can apply over the counter or on self-service machines at the Hengqin's Exit-Entry Office.

"In the past, I had to make arrangements for my Entry Permit in advance every time when I was planning to go to Macao, since the Entry Permit only allows me to visit once every two months. It was especially so when I was to take kids with me. Now, with the policy of 'one permit for multiple travels,' I can go whenever I want, no matter with plans or not, which is very convenient," said Wang Juan, a Hengqin resident.

As the policy brings an instant surge to Hengqin-Macao traveling, local authorities have been devoting efforts to secure a safe, fast, and convenient border check.

"Before the policy took effect, the Hengqin Border Inspection had finished testing of 48 two-way fast lanes. Now, travelers visiting Macao with the 'one permit for multiple travels' documentation can pass the border inspection faster by choosing a fast inspection lane. Meanwhile, to couple with traffic peaks, we are actively making promotion to add more inspection lanes, optimizing duty and service modes, perfecting instruction signs, and learning related policies. We are sparing no efforts to optimize the border clearance efficiency, and ensure a fast and convenient border passing for travelers," said Zhang Xin, deputy head of the Border Inspection Department under the Hengqin Border Inspection Station.

Travelers can visit Macao easier with new policies since 2025

A direct flight route connecting Xi'an City in northwest China's Shaanxi Province with Malaysia's Penang was launched on Monday, marking a new chapter in cultural exchanges between the two nations.

A group of 10 university students from Xi'an International Studies University and Xi'an Academy of Fine Arts were warmly welcomed upon arrival by the Chinese Consulate General in Penang and the Penang State government officials.

Upon landing at the Penang International Airport, the flight was greeted with the traditional "water salute", followed by a warm reception at the arrival hall.

Penang State Executive Councilor for Tourism and Creative Economy Yeoh Soon Hin, and Ding Qiao, deputy consul general of China in Penang, posed for photos with the students.

As 2025 approached, the students joined tens of thousands of locals in a countdown celebration, with fireworks lighting up the night sky, heralding a year of hope and aspirations.

"We will be undertaking a one-month internship as assistant councilors in Penang State. As young Chinese people in the new era, we aim to use this opportunity to broaden our global perspectives, better tell China's stories, convey China's voice, and contribute to the enduring friendship between China and Malaysia," said Liu Hao, a graduate student at the School of Advanced Translation and Interpretation, Xi'an International Studies University.

The students, dressed in matching activewear, also participated in a New Year's Day city walk in George Town alongside local residents.

In the evening, they attended the Penang temple fair's lantern lighting ceremony and strolled through the beautifully decorated streets. The group also took photos with Chow Kon Yeow, Chief Minister of Penang, and Zhou Youbin, Chinese Consul-General in Penang.

Penang State and Shaanxi Province enjoy a strong friendship, exemplified by collaborative projects such as the Penang State Assistant Councilor Internship Program, the Silk Road (China-ASEAN) Model United Nations Conference, and the creation of mural paintings in the typical style of farmers in Shaanxi.

As Malaysia assumes the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, the partnership between the two countries is set to deepen, offering broader opportunities for China-Malaysia cooperation.

Xi'an-Penang direct flight inaugurated, students from both countries celebrate New Year together