Kunming (TDI): A group of 15 tourists from Thailand and Laos wrapped up their four-day trip to southwest China’s Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture on Friday, boarding the China-Laos Railway for their return journey.
It is the first tour group from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member countries to travel to the prefecture since China introduced its new visa relaxation policy.
Since February 10, tour groups from ASEAN nations have been allowed to visit Xishuangbanna, a popular tourist destination in Yunnan Province, without a visa for up to six days.
China and ASEAN have long been major tourist markets for each other.
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Official data showed that in 2024, Xishuangbanna received 319,500 overseas visitors, a year-on-year (YoY) increase of 264.67%.
Laos, Thailand and Myanmar were the top contributors.
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This visa exemption policy marks the start of a new chapter in cultural exchanges and collaboration between China and ASEAN.
