Travelers are showing unprecedented enthusiasm for visiting China as the May Day holiday approaches. According to Ctrip, a leading Chinese online travel service, both inbound and outbound travel bookings have surged significantly, signaling a robust revival of the tourism industry.
Data from the China Tourism Academy indicates that inbound tourists are flocking from countries such as Malaysia, Thailand, the United Kingdom, Russia, and France. The most popular destinations among overseas visitors include Shanghai, Guangzhou, Beijing, Hangzhou, Chengdu, Shenzhen, Chongqing, Xi’an, Qingdao, and Tianjin.
At Luohu Port, a major border crossing in Shenzhen, more than 160,000 passengers have entered, transited, or departed, including over 2,400 foreign tourists. Officials at the Luohu checkpoint attribute this increase to the implementation of visa-free policies between China and many countries. “The convenience of the visa-free policy allows foreign tourists to easily plan their itinerary, leave as soon as they want, and enjoy the charm of Chinese culture,” a staff member said.
On the first day of the May Day holiday, a significant number of foreign tourists participated in the 144-hour visa-free tour program, which permits visitors from certain countries to explore select areas of China for up to six days without applying for a visa beforehand. Statistics show that over 800 foreign tourists from this program entered and exited through Luohu Port, smoothly clearing customs.
Experts note that multiple factors contribute to the surge in tourism. Wu Liyun, a professor at Beijing International Studies University’s China Academy of Culture and Tourism, explained that improved international people-to-people exchanges, visa-free policies, increased demand for travel, and ongoing enhancements to transportation and destinations have all played a role. “The Chinese inbound and outbound tourism market is anticipated to rise rapidly in 2024, propelling the recovery of the global tourism market due to the easing of visa requirements and the expansion of airline capacity,” Wu stated.
In response to the influx of tourists, local authorities are upgrading services to enhance visitors’ experiences. At Wulukou Station of the Xi’an Metro, brightly colored “rainbow guides” offer updated travel routes and tips for reaching nearby attractions, conveniently placed at station entrances and exits.
To facilitate easier transactions, many areas have introduced small-denomination currency exchange services, providing cash in 5, 10, and 20 yuan notes. In Huangshan, a popular tourist destination in Anhui Province, ATMs at various attractions now offer small-change exchange functions. Additionally, the payment platform for the Huangshan Scenic Area has launched a multi-language feature to better serve international visitors.
Technological innovations are also improving the tourist experience. An American visitor shared with China Media Group that restaurants are utilizing QR codes on tables for ordering, which can directly translate menus into various languages. “When tourists search for ‘Huangshan,’ they can see a range of supporting services such as hotels, meals, tickets, and reservations,” the tourist noted.
With these developments, China is poised to welcome a new wave of international travelers eager to explore its rich cultural heritage and modern advancements. The positive trends suggest a bright future for the tourism industry and its role in fostering global connections.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
