Beijing (TDI): A report released on Wednesday sheds light on how China is inviting the world to experience its authentic charm, as a surge in inbound travel follows a series of facilitative measures.
Titled “China Travel — Inviting the World to Experience a Real China,” the report was unveiled by New China Research, a think tank under Xinhua News Agency, during the Xinhua CEIS Think Tank Annual Conference 2024 in Hainan.
The document highlights the global and domestic significance of China’s burgeoning inbound tourism, with policies enabling easier access for foreign visitors.
China’s Visa-free Policy
Beginning December 1, nationals from six countries, including France, Germany, and Malaysia, can travel to China visa-free for up to 15 days.
This expansion brings the total number of visa-exempt countries to 38, with stays of up to 30 days now permitted.
The impact of these measures is evident, with 14.64 million foreigners entering China in the first half of 2024—a year-on-year rise of 152.7%.
Of these, 8.54 million arrived under the visa-free scheme, reflecting a staggering 190.1% increase.
To enhance its appeal in the post-pandemic era, China has streamlined visa applications, refined border control processes, and simplified payment systems for international travelers.
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These efforts align with the country’s strategy to position itself as a global tourism powerhouse.
The report argues that inbound tourism enables a direct appreciation of China’s technological advancements, cultural richness, urban development, and ecological progress.
It also counters stereotypes and biased portrayals of China, offering a more comprehensive and multidimensional perspective.
One anecdote featured in the report involves a British couple exploring China in 2024.
Blogger Chris Hutchinson and his family marveled at the country’s digital infrastructure, including cashless transactions through apps like WeChat and Alipay, and the use of drones for food delivery in Shenzhen.
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In Shanghai, the couple were struck by the city’s technological integration and modern skyline.
Wang Jiansheng, deputy head of a Hainan-based tourism research institute, emphasized that tourism fosters mutual understanding and bridges cultural divides.
He noted that non-governmental tourism often serves as a “lubricant” during strained international relations, promoting peace and economic cooperation, according to Xinhua.
The report concludes that “China Travel” in the new era will strengthen global people-to-people exchanges and cultural interactions, enriching the “garden of world civilizations” with greater diversity and harmony.
