Photos | 'China Travel' goes viral, foreign tourist arrivals reach new highs
During the National Day holiday, China's tourism market experienced a surge in activity, particularly noticeable in inbound tourism. With a combination of tourism, business, and family visits, ports of entry saw a peak in foreign arrivals.
Statistics reveal that foreign entries and exits reached 1.014 million over the holiday, marking a 37.2% increase year-over-year.
From Oct. 1 to 7, Shenzhen airport's foreign entries exceeded 6,500, up 87.3% compared to last year, with nearly 1,500 visa-free entries, predominantly from Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Germany.
An Australian visitor said, "We plan to visit Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing, Xi'an, and Chengdu. We're eager to see many of China's ancient landmarks and historic cities like Xi'an, and we are particularly excited about visiting the Great Wall."
Guangzhou Baiyun Airport saw significant activity due to the holiday and the upcoming 136th Canton Fair. Baiyun border control issued 24/144-hour visa-free transit permits to nearly 1,000 foreign travelers and checked over 1,800 flights, a 34% increase from last year.
An Italian tourist shared, "Traveling to China is now very easy, with many flights available from Europe. China has one of the highest numbers of UNESCO World Heritage sites, and we are excited to visit."
Island cross-border tourism is also on the rise. In Shandong's Shidao, due to the convenience of cruise travel, the number of tourists from Japan and Korea has continued to climb, increasing by 30% compared to last year.
A Korean visitor commented, "This trip was fantastic. The scenery in Weihai is beautiful, and there is plenty of delicious food. Customs clearance was smooth, and the border officers were patient and helpful. We received warm service and definitely plan to visit China again!"
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman, Mao Ning, noted that Shanghai has equipped taxis and subway stations with foreign card payment devices, and eight cities, including Chengdu and Xi'an, are piloting new measures to facilitate payments for visitors to China.
"China's doors are opening wider, and the level of convenience for entry and exit will continue to improve. We welcome more foreign friends to travel to China, enjoy its beautiful landscapes, and experience its charm," Mao said.
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