Welcome to China!Come and stay as long as you like, because China in 2025 is set to be even more amazing!
China has extended its transit visa-free policy once again, attracting a flood of foreign visitors who are diving into the China travel experience 2.0. They're not just snapping photos at tourist spots, but also exploring local streets, indulging in food and culture.
Many foreigners are seen holding candied haws, praising "Good, Good" while clutching their wallets, exclaiming "No! My money!" Some trendy foreigners have even picked up a few Chinese internet slang terms, joking about "wanting to splurge."
Yet, despite their complaints, these visitors continue to shop, with "scrubbing towels" becoming a must-buy souvenir for many foreign tourists. For them, using a scrubbing towel for the first time is like discovering a whole new world!
Additionally, foreign tourists love to film their travels in China, as videos about China often get high view counts on foreign video platforms.
This is because many Western countries, despite appearing open and free, create information bubbles that feed their citizens negative stereotypes about China, such as being backward or feudal.
These information bubbles not only obscure the true picture of China from foreign eyes but also tarnish China's image, leading to misconceptions among many foreigners.
China's decision to further relax its transit visa-free policy makes it easier and more convenient for foreign tourists to visit and stay longer. This not only showcases China's confidence in hosting international guests but also allows more visitors to witness the rapid development of the country firsthand.
Those who have traveled through China and shared their experiences online often attract the attention of other foreigners, who are surprised to see the real China.
This has led many foreign netizens to see a "trend" and rush to visit China, with some returning home and becoming enthusiastic advocates for Chinese tourism, urging their friends and family to experience it for themselves.
Moreover, more and more foreigners are coming to China not just for a quick tour of tourist spots, but to immerse themselves in Chinese culture.
Among the highlights of Chinese culture, the Spring Festival stands out. However, the Spring Festival is not just about the holiday itself.
From the Laba Festival (Lunar腊月23) when the Kitchen God is honored, the festive atmosphere begins to build, culminating in the New Year's Eve守岁 and the visits to relatives from New Year's Day to the third day.
In the past, if foreigners didn't apply for an extended stay, they couldn't experience the full "Spring Festival immersion." Even celebrations in Chinatowns abroad lack the authentic flavor.
These overseas Chinatowns, adapting to local customs, often incorporate foreign elements into their celebrations, making them somewhat performative.
To truly experience a country's festival, one must go to its origin.
Now, with the country further optimizing its transit visa-free policy, the stay duration for foreign visitors has been extended from 72 and 144 hours to 240 hours!
Furthermore, the provinces covered by the policy have increased from 19 to 24 (with some provinces only applicable to certain regions or cities), and the number of entry ports has expanded to 60!
This is a huge convenience for foreign tourists, allowing them to stay longer and easily experience the full Spring Festival!
It's worth noting that December 25th is Christmas, a major holiday in many Western countries. Therefore, before this date, the number of foreign visitors to China may not increase significantly.
However, after Christmas, with both time and money available, many foreigners may naturally choose to come to China to experience the Spring Festival.
During the 40-day period between the implementation of the 240-hour visa-free policy and the start of the Spring Festival, the 24 provinces and 60 ports will have a buffer period to adapt and upgrade their tourism facilities, preparing to welcome the influx of foreign tourists!
We can see that many local cultural and tourism departments and related industries have already started preparing, sharing various travel guides and tips on official social media accounts to attract more foreign tourists and capitalize on this "tourism boom"!
For example, Shenyang, Liaoning, has actively organized "Winter Snow and Warm Sunshine" events, with the deputy mayor and cultural tourism director personally extending invitations to tourists from around the world.
A restaurant in Hunnan District, Shenyang, has even hired English teachers to train staff in English phrases like "Cheers!", "Don't hold back!", and "Another round!", infused with the unique charm of Northeastern dialect.
All this is to ensure that foreign visitors feel the warmth and hospitality of the Northeasterners!
Therefore, it's foreseeable that from Laba Festival onwards, more foreigners will come to China for travel. If you see streets filled with foreigners with blonde hair and blue eyes, don't be mistaken for being in another country.
Outgoing individuals can also engage more with foreign visitors, perhaps even finding a cross-cultural romance and having a mixed-race baby. After all, with many single men in China, it's time to broaden horizons and "look beyond borders"!
Not only are Chinese cultural and tourism sectors gearing up to welcome international guests, but many foreigners are also eagerly anticipating their trips to China.
British blogger Simon, excited about the 240-hour transit visa-free policy, praised it as a blessing for the 54 eligible countries!
Simon believes that the 240-hour visa-free policy is fantastic, offering a 240-hour adventure for the lucky citizens of those 54 countries, opening a gateway to an extraordinary journey.
This allows foreign visitors to stay in 24 provinces for ten days, enjoying the delights and surprises China has to offer, and even traveling between provinces.
Simon humorously compares it to China rolling out the red carpet, inviting foreign visitors: "Come, be our guest!"
Simon, who has lived in Shanghai for a long time, highly recommends Hainan, whether for enjoying sunsets on the beach, conducting business, or spending quality time with family.
Having deeply appreciated China's safe social environment and profound culture, Simon has long wanted his family and friends to experience China.
Now, with the 240-hour visa-free policy, Simon's dream is closer to reality!
Simon revealed that in 2025, his brothers and friends will embark on their first trip to China, all thanks to the increasingly open transit visa-free policy.
Finally, Simon believes that a country should be like China: open, friendly, and full of opportunities.
Simon isn't the only one deeply touched by the 240-hour visa-free policy. Wang Lin, a tour guide from Yantai, Shandong, as a tourism professional, feels even more strongly!
On December 17th, the day the 240-hour visa-free policy was implemented, Yantai Penglai International Airport welcomed 59 Korean passengers, the first group of visa-free transit travelers since the policy's implementation at the airport.
Wang Lin noted that after the visa-free policy was relaxed, there was a noticeable increase in foreign tourists joining group tours, with a particularly significant rise in Japanese and Korean tourists.
This is not only due to the geographical proximity of Japan and Korea to China, making travel convenient, but also because of historical and cultural similarities.
As a result, Wang Lin's recent business has been thriving, benefiting from the "tourism boom" brought by the visa-free policy!
The country's further relaxation of the visa-free policy is not only a sign of openness but also demonstrates the country's capability and confidence in allowing more foreign visitors to see the true China!
Foreign tourists traveling and spending in China will also boost the country's economy. It's foreseeable that China in 2025 will be even more exciting and internationally recognized!
Information source:
【1】Huangshan Cultural Tourism, published on December 17, 2024.
【2】Dazhong News - Dazhong Daily, published on December 18, 2024.
【3】Daxiao News, published on December 19, 2024.
【4】Global Times, published on December 18, 2024.
【5】Liaoning Cultural Tourism, published on December 14, 2024.
【5】Travel Liaoning, published on December 18, 2024.
【6】Simon in China, published on December 18, 2024.
【7】China Daily, published on December 17, 2024.