Relaxed visa-free policy fuels int'l eagerness for visit to China

Foreign tourists are eagerly looking forward to visiting China, fueled by a range of visa-free policy expansions.

China's visa-free transit policy, which allows travelers from 54 countries to stay in China for up to six days while en route to a third destination, has been extended to 10 days starting in December 2024.

Moreover, visa-free stays for tourism, business or family visits have been doubled to 30 days for citizens of 38 countries.

Tourists from various countries said that they are fascinated by China's rich history, vibrant culture and numerous attractions.

"I would like to go to China, absolutely. China will be my first preference, actually. I do want to go and see some of the main items in China, which is the Chinese Great Wall," said Jack from New Zealand.

"The Great Wall of China is where my heart longs for. I love hiking and nature, so visiting the Great Wall is a must for me," said a Frenchman.

"I believe China's capital Beijing is definitely worth visiting. I want to explore the capital first and then smaller but equally fascinating places," said Tito from Brazil.

"I'd like to travel to Shanghai the most because I'd like to see the skyscrapers and go shopping, and of course, enjoy some of the local restaurants," said Derner from New Zealand.

The relaxed visa policy has attracted millions of first-time travelers and encouraged many returning travelers to prolong their stays.

"I want to visit China because I really appreciate its culture—I find it fascinating. Now I have learned about China's visa-free policy, and it's fantastic. It makes traveling to China easier for us. For me, any place in China will amaze me since it's so different from my everyday life," said Marina from Brazil.

"China's visa-free policy for France is great news. It shows that France and China are friends and that China welcomes the French, while the French also enjoy China. The policy has encouraged more French people to travel to China," said another Frenchman.

Relaxed visa-free policy fuels int'l eagerness for visit to China

Many regions across China are continuing or increasing incentives for trade-in program into the near year, with consumers enjoying more discounts in their major move-up purchases. 

In Shanghai, consumers can enjoy a 15 to 20 percent discount on eight categories of products such as television sets, washing machines, and range hoods in the new round of trade-in promotion. Coupons are available online, which can be used for discounts both in physical stores and on e-commerce platforms.

"I've come here to buy a water heater, and the discount is quite good. Without the national subsidy scheme, it would have cost over 3,000 yuan (roughly 410 in U.S. dollars), but now it's 600 to 700 yuan (82 to 96 U.S. dollars) cheaper. It's a great deal," said a resident in a downtown mall.

In south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, the regional department of commerce announced that the amount of subsidy for automobiles, home appliances, and electric bicycles will remain basically at the same levels as in 2024 until new trade-in related measures roll out, while the size of subsidy for products such as mobile phones, tablets, and smart bracelets is expected to be unveiled soon.

The trade-in program is part of China's efforts to boost domestic demand and support economic growth.

Trade-in program continue spurring consumer spending in new year