Guangxi ports see nearly 500,000 inbound entries in first two months of 2025

The ports in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region saw a surge in inbound visits by foreigners to nearly 500,000 in the first two months of 2025, up 27.2 percent year on year, according to the data released by the region's immigration inspection authorities.

The spike in foreign entries came as China has ramped up efforts to facilitate cross-border travel and boosted enthusiasm for cross-border tourism.

Over 2.3 million entries and exits were registered at the ports in Guangxi in January and February, marking a 12.2 percent increase from a year earlier.

Youyi Pass, or Friendship Pass, in Pingxiang City, a key land route between China and ASEAN countries, has witnessed a growing number of travelers crossing the border to explore local delicacies and cultural attractions.

At the port, visitors from across China were seen queuing for border checks before heading abroad.

Dongxing Port, the busiest land border crossing between China and Vietnam, has become a hub for cultural exchanges.

Cross-border buses operate at the inspection border gate, providing direct access to scenic spots.

"We have implemented pre-arrival inspections and dedicated lanes for tour groups to ensure efficient entry procedures. Plus, we have provided fast-track clearance for inbound tour groups, allowing them to go through inspections upon arrival. The steady increase in daily clearance volume reflects the growing popularity of cross-border tourism," said Fan Chunli, deputy team leader of the Dongxing Border Inspection Station.

"I often visit Dongxing with my family on weekends. The border crossing is fast and convenient, just like going home," said Nguyen Huong Lan, a tourist from Vietnam.

"We usually guide four to six Vietnamese tour groups a week. Many of them visit Shanhai Xianglian Square in Zhushan Town in Dongxing to see China’s National Highway 219, while young travelers enjoy checking out the Erqiao night fair and tasting unique Chinese snacks," said Chinese tour guide Lan Zhen.

As of March 11, Dongxing Port had recorded over 1.5 million entries and exits since the beginning of this year.

More than 2,000 Vietnamese tour groups comprising over 17,000 Vietnamese tourists, have entered China via the port, underscoring the strong momentum of cross-border tourism and Dongxing's growing appeal as a gateway for international visitors.

Guangxi ports see nearly 500,000 inbound entries in first two months of 2025

Guangxi sees nearly 500,000 inbound entries in first two months of 2025

A dozen people have been arrested following a devastating fire at a nightclub in North Macedonia that claimed 59 lives, with investigations at the site still ongoing, local officials said on Monday.

The fire broke out at the nightclub in Kocani Municipality in the early hours of Sunday morning, killing 59 people and injuring 163, including 45 in critical condition.

North Macedonia's Interior Minister Panche Toshkovski said on Monday that those arrested include managers, security personnel and ticketing staff at the nightclub.

The Mayor of Kocani Municipality, Ljupco Papazov, announced his resignation following the tragedy and expressed his willingness to be investigated.

Preliminary investigations showed that the blaze was triggered by a pyrotechnics display used by a live band who were performing on stage at the club. The fireworks used onstage were brought by the band, and the person responsible for operating them had died in the accident.

Hundreds gathered in Kocani's town center on Sunday evening to silently pay their respects, lighting candles to honor those who perished in the fire.

The small town of 30,000 people is struggling to come to terms with the scale of the tragedy, while North Macedonia has declared seven days of national mourning.

Dozen arrested after nightclub fire kills 59 in North Macedonia