China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs remarked that a recent increase in foreign travellers to the country showcases its openness and appeal.

According to data released by several online travel platforms following Golden Week, the weeklong observance of National Day, the number of travel orders by foreign tourists to China grew by around 60 percent year-on-year.

At the same time, a number of Chinese cities have grown in popularity as tourist destinations. become popular destinations. 

Relevant authorities cite recently rolled out facilitation measures for foreign travellers making their way to China.

The benefits of mutual visa exemption

During a media briefing on Tuesday, 8th October, ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said China now enjoys comprehensive mutual visa exemption with 24 countries, offers visa-free entry policy for 16 countries, and extends 72-hour or 144-hour visa-free transit policy to 54 countries.

Mao said: “It’s increasingly easier and more enjoyable for foreign tourists to visit China. [We] will open wider to the world and make cross-border travel easier. We welcome more foreign friends to visit China, enjoy the beautiful landscape and experience the charm of the country.”

What different cities are doing

The spokesperson added that the central government has issued a new travel brochure titled  Welcome to Beijing: Essential Tips for New Arrivals. The material offers a bird’s-eye view of all kinds of services and information. 

To make things easier for foreign nationals, Shanghai equipped its taxis and subway stations with payment devices that accept foreign bank cards. 

Eight other cities, including Chengdu and Xi’an, have launched new measures on a pilot basis to make payment easier for foreigners in China.