China's inbound tourism booms following expansion of visa-free policy

China's inbound tourism sector is experiencing a vigorous resurgence, buoyed by an expanded visa-free policy.

Since March 14, the country has broadened its visa exemption program to include six more countries, such as Switzerland, Ireland, and Hungary, adding to the initial list that featured France and Germany, among others.

This broader visa-free initiative, combined with streamlined consumptive payment processes, has positioned China as a popular destination for international travelers, injecting vitality into the country's inbound tourism market.

For East China's Zhejiang Province, it has received surging inbound travel orders this year thanks to expanded visa-free policy scheme.

In the provincial capital city of Hangzhou, sceneries along the Grand Canal, the world's longest man-made waterway, never disappoint tourists or locals.

"I could spend all day. There has been a lot of art done with umbrellas. And they are very elegant," said Serbian tourist Penny.

Official statistics indicate that Zhejiang received more than 165,000 inbound overnight visitors in January and February this year, marking an increase of 260 percent over the same period of last year.

Among them, 125,000 are foreign nationals, up 270 percent year on year.

Neighboring Shanghai also reports ever-increasing number of inbound tourists.

In the first three months this year, the Chinese mega city has received 10 cruise ships bringing more than 22,300 travelers.

As a luxury cruise ship "Mein Schiff" docked in Shanghai's Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal on April 6, about 2,500 foreign travelers started with their two-day stay.

"Very interested in the architecture in Shanghai. It's very special for us. We are excited," a tourist from Germany said.

"We have coordinated with relevant departments including the customs, to optimize procedures including the customs clearance and inspection process, to offer a safer, more convenient and efficient services for the tourists," said Cai Qihua, an official from the Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal.

So far, China has signed mutual visa exemption agreements with 157 countries that cover different types of passports, and has complete mutual visa exemption with 24 countries.

China's inbound tourism booms following expansion of visa-free policy

A French student from the School of Chinese Language and Literature at Beijing Foreign Studies University recently called for more educational exchanges between the two countries.

During an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN), Bouaoud Elies shared his experience living and studying in China.

After graduating from the business school at Beijing Foreign Studies University, Elies decided to stay in the country. He said he continues to study Chinese to improve his competitiveness and explore the huge trade opportunities between the two countries.

"I mean I love it here. I don't want to go back to France. I would like to become the bridge between France and China. So, if I can do this, thanks to the Belt and Road Initiative, the Silk Road, now the relations between France and China are very good. So, I think a lot of things will happen," he said.

Elies also said he hopes that more French students could visit China and develop a better understanding of the country.

France was the first major western country to establish full diplomatic ties with China, and the history of educational exchanges can be traced back more than a century and a half when China sent its students to France to study maritime affairs.

Since then, exchanges have deepened considerably.

"In China, we have established 14 French training centers. In France, we have established 19 Confucius Institutes. These institutions serve as bridges for mutual understanding and trust between the youth and people of the two countries, enhancing language and cultural connections," said Yang Dan, Director General of the Department of International Cooperation and Exchanges under the Ministry of Education.

French student calls for more educational exchanges with China