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China Travel has become a hot topic on international social media platforms, drawing an increasing number of foreign tourists. This surge in interest follows the introduction of new visa-free policies, which have made traveling to China more accessible.

Summer Palace and Rising Tourist Numbers

The Summer Palace is bustling with activity, as Ren Chao leads a group of Spanish-speaking travelers. Statistics from China’s National Immigration Administration reveal that 14.6 million foreigners entered China in the first half of 2024, marking a 152.7 percent year-on-year increase. This spike follows China’s introduction of 15-day visa-free stays for certain countries and the extension of 72 or 144-hour transit visas to 54 countries. Many foreign travelers, previously interested in China, decided to visit following these liberal visa policies.

Social Media Influence and Tourism Product Sales

Searching “China Travel” on social media reveals numerous trending videos of foreign tourists exploring China. According to a tourism service provider, this has resulted in a significant boost in sales of various tourism-related products. Boon Sian Chai, Managing Director for International Markets at Trip.com Group, states that from January to June this year, bookings for flights, hotels, and tickets grew by 230 percent year-on-year. Popular products include half-day and day tours of the Forbidden City, Shanghai Film Park, and tours to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in Lijiang.

Expanded Visa-Free Travel Program

China has significantly boosted its inbound tourism by expanding its visa-free travel program to include Poland, Australia, and New Zealand, valid until the end of 2025. Polish citizens are the latest beneficiaries of this new visa-free policy, designed to stimulate tourism. This initiative, rolled out in early 2024, initially benefited 11 other European countries and Malaysia, aiming to attract more business, luxury, and leisure travelers and foster interactions between Chinese citizens and foreign nationals.

China has introduced a new policy allowing visa-free entry for foreign nationals arriving on cruise ships as part of group tours, with a maximum stay of 15 days. This initiative is designed to boost the country’s economy by attracting more tourists.

The visa-free policy is available at specific cruise ports in 13 coastal cities, such as Tianjin, Dalian, Shanghai, and Xiamen. Groups entering under this policy must proceed to their next scheduled port and exit China within 15 days on the same cruise ship. This allows visitors to explore coastal provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities directly governed by the Central Government, and Beijing.

Visa-Free Access for European Citizens

In addition to the expanded program, citizens from Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Spain, and Switzerland now have visa-free entry to China until the end of next year. Polish citizens will join this list starting July 1, 2024, further increasing the potential for inbound tourism from Europe.

Popular Among Southeast Asian Tourists

China’s expanded visa-free travel policies have proven highly popular among tourists from Southeast Asia, particularly from Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. These tourists have eagerly explored China’s diverse landscapes, from the scenic mountains of Yunnan to the bustling metropolises of Beijing and Shanghai. Data from Trip.com indicates a sharp rise in the number of tourists from Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore visiting China since the implementation of the visa-free policies.

Expanded Visa-Free Travel Program:

China has expanded its visa-free travel program to include several countries, making it easier for tourists to visit without the hassle of obtaining a visa. Here are the countries and their respective visa-free entry periods:

• Brunei – Up to 15 days for ordinary passport holders
• Japan – Up to 15 days for ordinary passport holders
• Singapore – Up to 15 days for ordinary passport holders
• Qatar – Up to 30 days for ordinary passport holders
• United Arab Emirates – Up to 30 days for ordinary passport holders
• Serbia – Up to 30 days for ordinary passport holders
• Bosnia and Herzegovina – Up to 30 days for ordinary passport holders
• Mauritius – Up to 30 days for ordinary passport holders
• Seychelles – Up to 30 days for ordinary passport holders
• Barbados – Up to 30 days for ordinary passport holders
• Bahamas – Up to 30 days for ordinary passport holders
• Belarus – Up to 30 days for ordinary passport holders
• Fiji – Up to 30 days for ordinary passport holders
• Grenada – Up to 30 days for ordinary passport holders
• Haiti – Up to 30 days for ordinary passport holders
• San Marino – Up to 30 days for ordinary passport holders
• Suriname – Up to 30 days for ordinary passport holders
• Tunisia – Up to 30 days for ordinary passport holders
• Indonesia – Up to 30 days for ordinary passport holders
• Ukraine – Up to 30 days for ordinary passport holders
• Vanuatu – Up to 30 days for ordinary passport holders
• Russia – Up to 60 days for ordinary passport holders (only for group tourism)
• China’s Hong Kong Special Administrative Region – Unlimited visa-free entry
• China’s Macao Special Administrative Region – Unlimited visa-free entry

Role of Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport is playing a pivotal role in boosting inbound tourism to China. As one of the country’s major aviation hubs, the airport has significantly increased its capacity and connectivity, offering direct flights to a growing number of international destinations. Enhanced facilities, streamlined immigration processes, and expanded services cater to the needs of global travelers, making their entry into China seamless and efficient.

The airport’s strategic initiatives, such as partnerships with international airlines and targeted marketing campaigns, have successfully attracted a larger influx of tourists. This surge in inbound travelers contributes to the overall growth of China’s tourism industry, showcasing the country’s appeal as a top travel destination.