BEIJING– In a significant move to enhance its appeal to international tourists and business travelers, China’s National Immigration Administration (NIA) has expanded its 144-hour visa-free transit policy to include three additional entry ports. This expansion brings the total number of ports covered by the policy to 37, further facilitating international travel and commerce.
The newly added ports are Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport in Henan Province, Lijiang Sanyi International Airport in Yunnan Province, and the Mohan railway port, also in Yunnan. This policy adjustment allows eligible foreign nationals to enter China through these ports and stay visa-free for up to 144 hours.
Regional Details and Tourist Attractions
Foreign visitors entering China through Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport can now explore Henan Province, renowned for its historical significance and cultural heritage. Henan is home to several ancient dynasties’ capitals, offering attractions such as the Shaolin Temple and the Longmen Grottoes, which draw history enthusiasts from around the globe.
In Yunnan, the policy extension permits travelers to venture beyond the provincial capital, Kunming, to explore nine additional city or prefecture-level areas. This includes renowned tourist destinations like Lijiang, Dali, and Xishuangbanna. Yunnan’s diverse attractions include multiple UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the Old Town of Lijiang and the Hani rice terraces, as well as a rich tapestry of over 20 ethnic groups, making it a unique and culturally immersive destination.
Boosting Tourism and Business
This policy expansion is part of China’s broader strategy to rejuvenate its tourism sector and enhance international business interactions. Currently, nationals from 54 countries, including the United States, Canada, and Britain, can benefit from the 144-hour visa-free policy for short-term travel and business visits. The NIA anticipates that these measures will provide more travel options for foreign nationals, thereby boosting inbound tourism and fostering business exchanges.
The NIA’s statement emphasized that the 72/144-hour visa-free transit policy has significantly contributed to China’s high-level opening-up, promoting international exchanges and cooperation. The administration remains committed to optimizing and improving these policies to welcome more foreign visitors with an open and inclusive approach.
Impact on Inbound Travel
China has seen a remarkable increase in inbound travel, with 14.64 million foreign visitors recorded in the first half of this year, reflecting a 152.7 percent year-on-year increase. Notably, 8.54 million visitors entered China visa-free, marking a 190.1 percent surge from the previous year. These figures underscore the growing attractiveness of China as a travel destination.
To further facilitate foreign nationals’ entry and stay, China has introduced additional measures, including relaxed visa application requirements, simplified procedures, exemption of border checks for certain transit passengers, and more convenient mobile payment options for foreigners. These initiatives are expected to sustain the upward trend in foreign visitor numbers throughout the second half of the year.
Global Perception and Future Outlook
As China continues to ease travel restrictions and enhance its tourism infrastructure, it rapidly becomes a preferred destination for international tourists. The increasing number of travel experiences shared on social media has made “China Travel” a trending search term on multiple global platforms, highlighting the country’s rising popularity.
Reflecting on these developments, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated, “China will continue to embrace the world with open arms, inject new dynamism into the global community through its development, and foster greater energy and enthusiasm for people-to-people exchanges.”
With these expanded visa-free policies, China is poised to attract a higher volume of international tourists and business visitors, reinforcing its position as a global hub for travel and economic activities.
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