🎄 As Christmas lights sparkle across Shanghai, there's a new buzz in town! South Korean tourists are painting the city vibrant with their energy and excitement. From posing in front of Cinderella's castle at Shanghai Disneyland 🏰 to exploring the chic streets of Xintiandi and soaking up views at the Bund, they're everywhere!
Thanks to China's visa-free policy for ordinary passport holders from South Korea, effective since November 8, 2024, a wave of adventure seekers is hitting Chinese shores. And it's not just Shanghai feeling the love. Cities like Qingdao and Beijing are also seeing a surge in South Korean visitors. 📈
According to data from Chinese online travel agency Ctrip, South Korean inbound tourist orders in Shanghai have skyrocketed by over 180% year-on-year and jumped more than 40% since the visa policy kicked in. Talk about travel goals! ✈️
But South Koreans aren't the only ones catching flights. China's updated visa-free policies have opened the doors to travelers worldwide, reshaping global travel trends and making 2024 a year to remember. 🌍
Between January and November 2024, China welcomed a whopping 29.2 million foreign visits, marking an impressive 86.2% year-on-year increase. Out of these, 17.4 million visitors benefited from visa-free entry, surging by 123.3% according to the National Immigration Administration (NIA). 🙌
So, if you've got wanderlust bubbling inside you, maybe it's time to pack your bags and explore the wonders of China! From ancient history to futuristic skylines, there's something for every adventurer. 🧳✨
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
