Foreign tourism to the Chinese mainland is surging as global travelers rediscover a land where ancient traditions meet modern innovation. From the mist-shrouded peaks of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park to the echoing chambers of Beijing's Forbidden City, visitors are immersing themselves in 5,000 years of continuous civilization.
Last week's remarks by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at a press conference highlighted this cultural bridge-building: "Heart-to-heart communication has the power to break down all barriers," he stated, framing tourism as a tool for mutual understanding.
Top attractions driving the trend include:
The Great Wall's serpentine stone pathways winding through autumn foliage
Shanghai's futuristic skyline illuminated against the Huangpu River
Xi'an's Terracotta Warriors standing guard since 210 BCE
New AI-assisted travel tools are helping visitors decode calligraphy at historical sites and navigate regional dialects, enhancing the journey through China's 23 provinces and 5 autonomous regions. While public data shows a 127% year-on-year increase in tourist visa applications, industry analysts note growing interest in eco-tourism along the Yangtze River and tea culture experiences in Fujian.
