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
As the Qingming Festival approaches this Friday, various traditional folk activities have been held across China, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the occasion.
With a 2,500-year history, Qingming Festival, or the Festival of Pure Brightness, observed in early April, uniquely combines ancestral worship with the celebration of spring. Falling on the 15th day after the spring equinox, this ritual-rich observance reflects China's enduring values of ancestral veneration and inspires deep introspection about what gives life meaning.
In Sijia Village, Huayin City, northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, a unique swing festival is held to mark the occasion. Eighteen different types of traditional swings, such as the spinning wheel swing, the Bagua swing reminiscent of a rotating carousel, and the balance swing designed for two people, have attracted many visitors.
Historically, Sijia Village served as a military post guarding the strategic Tongguan pass, a former mountain pass and fortress located south of the confluence of the Wei and Yellow Rivers. The swing tradition in the village has its origins in military training exercises like climbing and river crossing. The local swing culture further developed as regional trade flourished, eventually evolving into the "swing festival" that continues today.
"It's very exciting and tests your skill, endurance, and most importantly, your arm strength. You need to maintain balance," said Qu Xiangyang, a visitor.
In Rudong County, Nantong City, east China's Jiangsu Province, another traditional Qingming activity takes place - kite flying.
Flying kites as a way of making wishes is an age-old Qingming custom in this region. As a result, the Qingming Festival in Nantong is also known as the "Kite Festival."
The local Banyao whistling kite making skills is listed as one of the first national intangible cultural heritage items.
According to a folk culture expert, people traditionally write the names of diseases or misfortunes on paper, attach it to a kite, and release it into the sky. This practice is believed to drive away illness and disaster, while also serving as a way to make wishes.
In south China's Guangdong Province, a large tug-of-war competition is underway in Maoming City. Teams from different towns and streets are competing, attracting many locals to cheer on their teams.
Tug-of-war, which originated during the late Spring and Autumn period (770 BC - 476 BC), became part of Qingming customs during the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty once organized large-scale tug-of-war competitions for the festival.
"Tug-of-war became very popular in the Tang Dynasty, even emerging as the national sport. It originated in the Jingchu region and later spread across the country. In ancient Lingnan (Southern China), tug-of-war games were a common tradition. Through these events, people seek to pray for peace, prosperity, and abundant harvests," said Yao Guojun, vice dean of the College of Arts and Law, Guangdong University of Petrochemical Technology.
Traditional folk activities held for Qingming Festival
