China Media Group (CMG) has unveiled a groundbreaking travel series offering global audiences an immersive journey through the nation's rich cultural tapestry. Destination: China, which premiered October 11 on CCTV-4, pairs international travelers with local experts to explore 10 lesser-known cities under China's expanded visa-free entry program.
Each episode features two foreign 'visa-free explorers' and a guest traveler navigating destinations like Taiyuan's ancient Jin Temple and Yinchuan's cutting-edge smart city initiatives. The series highlights how provincial hubs preserve millennia-old traditions while embracing technological innovation, from Shanxi's bronze-casting artisans to Ningxia's digital agriculture projects.
'This program bridges understanding through authentic cultural exchange,' said a CMG representative. Viewers witness spontaneous interactions between hosts and residents, including a Mongolian throat-singing demonstration in Inner Mongolia and a collaborative robotics project in Jiangsu.
The production coincides with China's visa policy relaxations, which saw 21.5 million border entries in 2023. Tourism analysts note the timing aligns with growing global interest in China's secondary cities as both cultural destinations and emerging business hubs.
