-China Travel- is popular during the National Day holiday and reaches a new high. World traffic stirs up the vitality of the Chinese tourism market.
During the National Day holiday, China’s tourism market saw an impressive surge in inbound tourism. Travelers flocked to China for leisure, business, and family visits, leading to a significant increase in foreign visitors at major entry ports. Today’s tourists are not just looking for mainstream attractions; there’s a growing interest in in-depth and unique travel experiences, including cross-border island tours.
Experts suggest that this growing influx of international visitors highlights the appeal of China’s travel industry and its expanding influence on the global stage, while simultaneously boosting domestic consumption.
Statistics show that the holiday period was a record-breaking one for foreign arrivals, with 1.014 million people crossing borders—an impressive 37.2% increase from the previous year.
Chi Shangkun, Deputy Captain of the Second Team at the Beijing Entry-Exit Frontier Inspection Station, reported, “From October 1st to 6th, over 32,000 foreigners entered through the Beijing port, which is about 2.14 times more than during the same timeframe last year.”
An Italian tourist shared their excitement: “Traveling to China is very convenient now, with plenty of flights from Europe. With so many UNESCO heritage sites, we are thrilled to visit.”
At Guangzhou Baiyun Airport, the spike in foreign visitors was particularly notable, influenced by both the National Day celebrations and the upcoming 136th Canton Fair. The Baiyun Frontier Inspection Station issued temporary transit permits to nearly 1,000 foreign travelers and facilitated over 1,800 flights, marking a 34% rise compared to last year.
An Australian traveler expressed, “We plan to explore Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing, Xi’an, and Chengdu. We’re especially eager to witness Xi’an’s ancient landmarks and the Great Wall.”
Shenzhen Airport also reported significant activity, recording over 6,500 foreign arrivals from October 1st to 7th, which is an astounding 87.3% year-on-year increase. Nearly 1,500 of those arrivals utilized visa-free entry, primarily from Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Germany.
Interest in cross-border island tours is growing, too; in Shidao, Shandong, visitor numbers from Japan and South Korea have surged by 30% this year, thanks to improved cruise services.
A South Korean traveler shared, “This trip has been fantastic! Weihai’s scenery is beautiful, and there’s a wide variety of delicious food. The customs process was smooth, and the border inspection officers were patient and attentive. I will definitely come back to China!”
The diverse development of China’s tourism landscape plays a significant role in the increasing appeal of inbound travel. With options available for history buffs, culture enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike, there’s something for everyone. Furthermore, the market continues to innovate, introducing projects like educational travel and rural tourism to cater to varied traveler interests. This multifaceted landscape not only attracts more foreign tourists but also strengthens China’s standing in the global tourism industry.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning noted that Shanghai is enhancing convenience for travelers, having installed foreign card payment systems at taxi and subway stations. Chengdu, Xi’an, and six other cities are also piloting new measures to streamline payment for foreign visitors. “China is opening its doors wider and making entry and exit more convenient,” she added, “We welcome more foreign friends to visit China, enjoy our stunning landscapes, and experience our country’s unique charm.”