New Adventure Awaits: Discovering the World, One Trip at a Time

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From the bustling capital city of Beijing to the mountainous landscapes of Zhangjiajie, China is experiencing an influx of foreign tourists. As these visitors share their experiences online, “China Travel” has become a trending topic on overseas social media platforms. Their firsthand stories offer fresh perspectives that counter some Western media claims and provide a more comprehensive and authentic view of China.

Changing Perceptions

Australian video blogger Josie reflects on her first journey to China in a vlog. “Most of my knowledge of China was limited to what I’ve heard in the news over the years,” she says. However, her visit to Shanghai surprised her. “Most of the concerns I had about China were unfounded. As I explored more of the city, the constant smiles, curious kids, and overall friendliness made me feel very comfortable and welcomed.”

Josie’s experiences are echoed by millions of foreign tourists who are captivated by China’s modern technology and rich culture. Social media is filled with keywords like “unexpected,” “never imagined,” and “unbelievable” to describe their travels in China.

Modern Advancements

Hidetoshi Tashiro, chief economist of Japan’s Infinity LLC, also recently visited Shanghai. Contrary to some media reports, he observed vibrant cityscapes and bustling activities. “What I saw were fuel-powered and electric vehicles driving alongside each other, as well as numerous new construction sites,” he says. “From cashless payments to advanced traffic systems, almost every aspect of China’s society has been digitized. The streets are clean, and the cityscape is beautiful.”

Hidden Gems and Popular Destinations

Beyond major cities and famous landmarks, lesser-known cities and villages are attracting foreign tourists. Zhangjiajie in Hunan province saw a 569 percent increase in inbound tourists in the first half of this year, thanks to its stunning natural landscapes. Sichuan province has also become a hotspot, particularly for South Korean tourists, due to the “panda tourism” itineraries introduced by South Korean travel agencies.

Jaeho Hwang, director of the Institute for Global Strategy and Cooperation, believes that increased tourism will help reduce misunderstandings and prejudices. “International tourists will gain a true appreciation of Chinese culture and the warmth of its people,” he says.

Enhanced Tourism Policies

China’s expanding visa-free policies and improved services for inbound tourists have contributed to this surge. The country has introduced a 15-day visa-free entry policy for 15 countries on a trial basis and expanded its 144-hour visa-free transit policy to 37 ports of entry, benefiting nationals from 54 countries. Additionally, measures such as easing mobile payment use for foreigners, implementing reservation-free entry at scenic spots, and offering multilingual services have made travel more convenient.

As a result, 14.64 million foreign nationals entered China in the first half of this year, a 153 percent increase year-on-year. Remarkably, 8.54 million of these visitors entered visa-free, a 190 percent rise from the previous year, according to the National Immigration Administration.

“This shows China’s commitment to expanding people-to-people exchanges and enhancing its openness,” says Hwang. As more foreign travelers visit China, their stories will transcend borders, fostering mutual understanding and appreciation.