Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, January 14 — "China Travel" Surges by 112.3% Year-on-Year! Once Is Enough to Be Enchanted

Reported by Xinhua Reporters Ren Qinqin and Liu Shuo

Following the trend of "City or Not City", "Going to China After Work on Friday" has become the new trend for overseas tourists.

On January 14, the National Immigration Administration released the latest data: In 2024, there were 610 million persons for inbound and outbound trips, a 43.9% year-on-year increase; the number of foreign nationals entering China visa-free through various ports nationwide reached 20.115 million, up by 112.3% year-on-year. The data confirms the boundless potential of "China Travel".

Why does the "traffic password" for China Travel continue to be so effective?

— The more open, the more vibrant.

China continues to demonstrate its commitment to openness, expanding the visa-free "circle of friends", completely abolishing the visa appointment system, broadening the scope of fingerprint exemptions, and making the process smoother for foreigners applying for visa-free entry.

The visa-free transit policy is continuously being optimized. This includes a 240-hour visa-free transit policy, visa-free entry for foreign tourist groups arriving by cruise ships, expanding visa-free entry for individuals from 59 countries visiting Hainan, and implementing 24-hour visa-free transit without inspection procedures at nine key airports... The 18 convenient policies and measures for foreigners visiting China are overwhelming in their abundance.

In 2024, Shanghai saw 4.56 million foreigners for entries and exits, doubling the total for 2023. Among them, 1.67 million foreigners entered visa-free, a 4.7-fold increase from 2023. Major popular tourist areas are packed with foreign tourists traveling to Shanghai for short trips by taking a flight. Japanese tourist Kubo Masatoku remarked, "Previously, applying for a Chinese visa required a month and a half in advance; now, it's a spur-of-the-moment decision, making weekend getaways and short trips very convenient."

Passengers line up orderly for immigration inspection in the arrival hall of Pudong International Airport. (Photo provided by Shanghai General Station of Immigration Inspection)

— The more Chinese style, the more attractive.

Continuously exploring and enhancing self-value, the ancient Eastern civilization, vibrant modern blocks, local flavors, and cutting-edge technology all offer foreign tourists a refreshing experience. The significant improvement in the cultural and tourism industry's supply capacity, high-quality services, and reputation are also elevating China's competitiveness in tourism.

Major cities and relevant departments are making great efforts to engage with travelers, bridging the "last mile" of the tourism experience. Language barrier? Various foreign language signs and cultural tourism information are readily available. Payment issues? Mobile payment platforms like Alipay, WeChat Pay, and UnionPay continue to enhance user-friendly payment options. Difficulty with reservations? More attractions are implementing a no-reservation policy.

— The closer you get, the more you like it.

Seasons change the landscapes, each displaying a myriad of new scenes. The snowy world in the north, the tropical beaches in the south, the bustling cities in the east, and the plateau mountains in the west... In the magnificent Chinese landscape, there is a long-standing Chinese civilization and a vibrant development aura.

A multifaceted China, authentic and three-dimensional, who wouldn't love it?

Inbound tourism in Beijing remains vibrant. Just from December 20 to 31, 2024, the number of foreign nationals entering China reached 108,000, a 43% increase compared to the previous month and 1.7 times that of the same period last year.

"A very comfortable journey taking high-speed train G51 from Beijing to Chongqing for hotpot," shared a Belgian blogger on social media about the travel experience entering China swiftly through the 240-hour visa-free transit policy.

On December 12, 2024, foreign tourists sightseeing at Shichahai in Beijing rode on pedicabs. (Photo by Reporter Ju Huanzong from Xinhua News Agency)

In the context of social media, on overseas social platforms, various "China Travel" themes naturally attract attention. Overseas bloggers are not only consumers of Chinese cultural and tourism products but also storytellers and promoters of China's stories.

Once is enough to be enchanted.

The beauty of China shines brightly. This is the international community's recognition of Chinese culture and a new style that continuously showcases China's high-level openness to the world.

[Editor in Charge: Zhao Wenhan]