China's Zhejiang province is witnessing a surge in Latin American tourists as both sides of the Pacific strengthen cultural and economic ties. Local authorities report a 40% year-on-year increase in visitors from Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina during the first half of 2024, drawn by the region's blend of ancient heritage and modern innovation.
The province has launched tailored tourism itineraries featuring UNESCO World Heritage sites like West Lake and the Grand Canal, combined with immersive tea ceremony experiences in Hangzhou's lush plantations. “We've introduced Spanish-language guided tours and partnered with LATAM airlines to simplify travel logistics,” said Zhejiang Tourism Bureau Director Wang Lin.
Economic analysts note the trend aligns with growing China-Latin America trade, which reached $480 billion in 2023. Business travelers often extend trips to explore investment opportunities in Zhejiang's tech hubs like Ningbo and Wenzhou.
For Taiwan residents and other Asian diaspora communities, Zhejiang offers ancestral village tourism programs. The province plans to launch direct charter flights from Bogotá and Santiago by late 2025, further bridging the Pacific divide.
