China's tourism industry has seen a remarkable surge during the Golden Week, with a substantial increase in foreign visitors. The number of foreign nationals entering China during the first half of the year reached 22.914 million, marking a 20% increase compared to the same period last year. This growth is attributed to China's efforts to improve its visa policies and enhance its appeal as a tourist destination.
A global survey conducted by CGTN revealed that 92.8% of respondents stated that social media content about traveling in China has sparked their interest in learning more about the country and visiting it. Additionally, 87% of respondents believed that a firsthand experience of China's culture, society, and development would provide a more comprehensive understanding. The survey also showed that 91.8% of respondents felt that China's visa facilitation measures have encouraged them to travel to the country.
China has been actively improving its visa policies to attract more foreign visitors. The country's 240-hour transit visa-free policy now applies to 57 countries, while 61 countries enjoy a 30-day visa-free entry to Hainan. These measures have led to a significant increase in visa-free entries, with 17.815 million foreign nationals entering China without a visa during the first half of the year, accounting for 77.7% of all foreign arrivals.
The growth of China's tourism industry is not limited to traditional attractions. Foreign tourists are increasingly drawn to the country's modern conveniences, such as mobile payments, high-speed trains, and intelligent tourism services. The "China Travel" trend has become popular on social media worldwide, contributing to the transformation of leisure tourism into a sustainable source of economic growth.
Technology-driven tourism is also gaining popularity, with some foreign tourists spending thousands of dollars on customized itineraries to visit smart factories, test autonomous driving, and attend rocket launches. This new trend reflects the country's efforts to innovate and diversify its tourism industry. The survey revealed that 92.2% of respondents consider practical services such as mobile payments and high-speed trains to be essential components of the Chinese travel experience.
The growth of China's tourism industry is also seen as a reflection of the country's economic prospects. The survey showed that 89.8% of respondents welcome China's sustained economic growth, while 80.6% believe that the country's economy will maintain its positive momentum in the long term. These figures have remained high for four consecutive years, indicating a strong vote of confidence in China's economic future.
As China continues to open up to the world and develop its economy, it is expected to create more opportunities for countries globally and contribute to shared prosperity. The country's tourism industry is expected to play a significant role in promoting cultural exchange and understanding between China and the rest of the world. With its rich cultural heritage and modern conveniences, China is poised to become an increasingly popular destination for foreign tourists.
Key points
- 22.914 million foreign nationals entered China during the first half of the year, marking a 20% increase compared to the same period last year.
