Thanks to increasingly flexible entry policies and diverse cultural experiences, traveling to China is becoming a new trend among foreign visitors. Recently, American influencer IShowSpeed (nicknamed 「甲亢哥」 by Chinese fans), who boasts tens of millions of followers, livestreamed his travel experience in China, further boosting the country's tourism appeal. Foreign tourists are now going beyond traditional sightseeing at major landmarks and embracing a deeper "travel + shopping" experience.
From the Shaolin martial arts in Henan, to the neon-lit streets of Shanghai, and the ancient walls of the Forbidden City in Beijing, China offers a diverse range of landscapes and cultures from north to south. Viewers worldwide joined IShowSpeed on his virtual journey through China, breaking stereotypes and triggering a ripple effect. Many foreign social media users have since shared their travel experiences in China, with comments like "So this is what China is really like" and "I want to move here when I get older."
Foreign visitors to Huaqiangbei up by over 50% in 6 months
As of June 1, China has implemented visa-free access for five Latin American countries, including Brazil and Argentina, bringing the total number of countries enjoying visa-free entry to 43. On June 3, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the introduction of the "ASEAN Visa" for 10 ASEAN countries and observer state Timor-Leste, further facilitating regional travel. These new policies have significantly enhanced the convenience of visiting China for foreign tourists.
"Traveling in China and shopping in China" has now become a new trend among international tourists. On foreign social media platforms, influencers have shared tips like, "You must bring an empty suitcase when traveling to China." The unique combination of travel and shopping has been well-received by foreign visitors.
Shenzhen's Huaqiangbei, known as the "No. 1 Electronics Street of China," is a major hub for electronics commerce and manufacturing. It is a hotspot for international tourists thanks to its range of high-tech products such as drones, tablets, AI-powered glasses, and translation devices. Abdullah, a Canadian tourist, was deeply impressed by the variety of products and the convenience of comparison shopping in Huaqiangbei. He purchased a black translation device featuring an "AI function button" and praised the experience.
In addition to its tech-savvy image, Huaqiangbei offers the opportunity to haggle and enjoy tax refund benefits, effectively giving tourists a 10% discount. According to statistics, foreign tourists visiting Huaqiangbei have increased by over 50% compared to the previous year, with over 7,000 foreign visitors arriving daily. A sales assistant at a local drone store noted that approximately 50 unmanned drones are sold weekly, with half purchased by foreign tourists. Tax refund agencies also reported that domestic smartphones and drones account for 38% of all tax refund applications.
As China's entry policies become more open, tourists from all over the world are flocking to the country. This growing "circle of friends" has also highlighted the need for better infrastructure, such as more multilingual tour guides, international credit card payment options, and multilingual signage at tourist attractions. While China has successfully charmed foreign tourists, it is also working to provide them with a truly welcoming and hospitable experience.
Tourist reviews:
- Blogger "Tim and Nicole"「提姆哥和妮可姐」: "Standing on the Great Wall! In Chengde! Absolutely unforgettable! One of the greatest experiences of my life!"
- German tourist Mark: "The Three Gorges Dam is a marvel of engineering perfectly blending with natural landscapes. Yichang, Hubei, is one of the most memorable stops on my travel list!"
- French tourist Lucas Martin: "I absolutely loved China! Visiting cultural landmarks like Hubushan, Guishan Han Dynasty Tombs, and Xuzhou Museum gave me a profound sense of Xuzhou's rich heritage as the birthplace of Han culture."
- Algerian tourist Tanina: "I tasted so much delicious Chinese food and had an immersive experience of Chinese daily life. It was such a pleasant surprise!"
(Source: Wen Wei Po; Reporters: Li Wei, Mu Shan; English Editor: Zoey Sun)
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