Hey, globe-trotters! 🌍 Ready for some exciting news? China's visa-free policy is making waves, and travelers from around the world are flocking in!
A whopping 214,000 people from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia made their way to the Chinese mainland in December 2023. That's a stunning 28.5% jump compared to November, according to the National Immigration Administration (NIA). 🎉
So, what's the buzz about? On December 1, China rolled out a unilateral visa-free policy for ordinary passport holders from these six countries. Of all the inbound trips, 118,000 travelers (that's 55.1%!) entered without a visa. Most came for travel and business, making the most of this newfound freedom. 🛫💼
The southern city of Nanning became a hotspot! Ports there welcomed 121 travel groups, bringing nearly 2,800 excited visitors in December alone. Meanwhile, ports in Beijing saw over 12,000 visa-free entries by the end of the month. Talk about a travel boom! 🏙️🌠
The NIA isn't stopping there. They've pledged to introduce more traveler-friendly policies to make sure foreigners can smoothly handle business, study, work, and life on the Chinese mainland. It's all about building bridges and connecting cultures. 🤝
So, if you've been daydreaming about exploring ancient temples, indulging in delicious cuisine, or venturing through bustling markets, now might be the perfect time to pack those bags! 🎒✨
Stay tuned for more updates, and happy travels! 🌟
Reference(s):
Inbound visitor numbers jump as China's visa-free policy takes effect
cgtn.com