A new adventure awaits you: discover the world, one journey after another. | kbnmart

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From the bustling capital of Beijing to the mountainous landscape of Zhangjiajie, China is seeing an influx of foreign tourists. As these visitors share their experiences online, “travel to China” has become a trending topic on social media platforms abroad. Their first-hand stories offer fresh perspectives that challenge some of the claims of Western media and provide a more comprehensive and authentic view of China.

Changing concepts

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

Josie’s experiences resonate with millions of foreign tourists who are amazed by China’s modern technology and rich culture. Social media is filled with keywords like “unexpected,” “unthinkable” and “incredible” to describe their trips to China.

Recent developments

Hidetoshi Tashiro, Chief Economist at Infiniti Japan, He also recently visited Shanghai. Contrary to some media reports, he observed a vibrant cityscape and bustling activity. “What I saw were gas-powered and electric vehicles driving side by side, as well as many new construction sites,” he says. “From cashless payments to advanced traffic systems, almost every aspect of Chinese society has been digitized. The streets are clean, the cityscape is beautiful.”

Hidden gems and popular tourist destinations

Besides big cities and famous landmarks, lesser-known towns and villages are also attracting foreign tourists. Zhangjiajie City in Hunan Province saw a 569% increase in tourist arrivals in the first half of this year, thanks to its beautiful scenery. Sichuan Province has also become a tourist hotspot, especially for tourists from South Korea, thanks to “panda tourism” programs offered by South Korean travel agencies.

Jae-ho Hwang, Director of the Institute for Global Strategy and Cooperation, He believes increased tourism will help reduce misunderstandings and prejudices. “International tourists will gain a real appreciation for Chinese culture and the warmth of its people,” he says.

Improved tourism policies

China’s expanding visa-free policies and improved services for inbound tourists have contributed to the rise. 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 citizens from 54 countries. In addition, measures such as facilitating the use of mobile payment for foreigners, implementing reservation-free entry at scenic spots, and providing multilingual services have made travel more convenient.

As a result, 14.64 million foreign nationals entered China in the first half of this year, up 153 percent year-on-year. Remarkably, 8.54 million of these visitors entered China without a visa, up 190 percent from the previous year, according to the National Immigration Administration.

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