China's continuous optimization of visa, transportation, payment, and tax refund policies has kept "China Travel" a hot topic worldwide. In the first half of this year, 13.64 million foreign nationals entered China visa-free, accounting for 71.2% of total entries—a 53.9% year-on-year increase. Through short-video platforms and word-of-mouth recommendations, more and more foreigners are visiting China for the first time, with many expressing a desire to return. This "check-in, share, attract" virtuous cycle is drawing deeper engagement from global travelers, elevating "China Travel" from a mere economic phenomenon to a profound cultural experience.
Digital tech at Xi'an's museum wows visitors
"Wow, I've finally seen the real Terracotta Warriors—they're even more majestic and awe-inspiring than online!" At the Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum in Xi'an, Shaanxi, Mike, a British tourist, swiped his phone to digitally "restore" the painted colors of the warriors while exclaiming in amazement to his guide: "This is truly magical!"
Mike told Wen Wei Post that the recent explosion of "China Travel" on global social media, along with China's relaxed transit visa-free policies, inspired him and his friends to visit. Though this is his first trip to China, the 28-year-old Mike says he's long been familiar with the country. "A friend of my father's once taught at a Chinese school and always shared fascinating stories about China."
Last October, another friend visited Xi'an and sent Mike enthusiastic emails: "Mike, you have to come here—everything is astonishing! I saw the world's most powerful army from over 2,000 years ago!"
This summer, Mike made Xi'an his first stop. Following foreign influencers' travel vlogs, he visited the Datang Everbright City near the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and tried on Hanfu for the first time. "Honestly, this is the coolest experience I've ever had. Wearing ancient Chinese attire while walking among historic architecture felt like stepping into the past." The diverse food and seamless mobile payments also left him impressed.
At the Terracotta Army's Pit No. 1, Mike finally saw the "world's most powerful army" up close.
"The guide told me these statues were originally painted. Now, with AR technology, scanning them brings their colors back to life—Incredible!"
He also praised the museum's overseas-friendly services, "Next time, I can book tickets and guides from my home country, pay in my local currency, and even the security staff speak English!"
British visitor makes immediate trip after visa-free policy
"I've been to China twice—first Beijing, then Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Shenzhen. Beijing left the deepest impression with its rich traditional culture," said Jerry, a mid-level manager from London. Despite his busy schedule, he makes time for annual vacations and finally visited China after years of curiosity. "Western media paints China as backward and chaotic, but vlogs showed a different story. I had to see for myself."
After China introduced a 144-hour transit visa-free policy, Jerry immediately booked a trip. "Everything was smooth. In Beijing, I explored the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, the Summer Palace, and tried Peking duck and hotpot. But my favorite part was cycling through hutongs—So authentic!"
"Media claims China oppresses minorities, but my travels showed safety, openness, and friendliness. I don't believe the narratives anymore."
"China is beautiful, the people are kind, the food is amazing, and it's incredibly safe—even walking alone at night feels secure. More friends are planning trips now. My dream? To travel all across China!"
Tech and convenience
"This was my first China trip, and the visa-free policy made it effortless," said Johan from Denmark, who just concluded a 10-day tour covering Beijing, Shanghai, Taizhou, and Shandong. "Shanghai's skyline at the Bund was breathtaking!" He used WeChat Pay, DiDi, and shared bikes seamlessly: "E-payments are fantastic. I'll return—there's so much more to see!"
Meanwhile, Spanish traveler Albert and his family chose Shanghai for their first visit. "Visa-free helped, but we came mainly because Europe praises China as a great nation. Shanghai showcases its culture, tech, and development speed perfectly."
Australian couple Max and Jacqueline used a transit visa-free to explore Guangzhou during a layover. They savored dim sum ("the wok-fried beef noodles were unforgettable!"), admired Lingnan architecture at the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, and received spontaneous help from locals despite the language barrier. "China's history is so rich—we'll return for a deeper dive."
Similarly, travel bloggers "LoveLiveDiscover" (en route from Cyprus to the Philippines) extended a 36-hour layover in Guangzhou. "The street food and city vibes were incredible. Transit visa-free made it all possible—we're coming back!"
(Source: Wen Wei Po; Journalists: Zhao Yicun, Li Yangbo, Xia Wei, Li Ziyan; English Editor: Darius)
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