Visa-free policy, resumed int'l flights drive surge in inbound travelers

Chinese cities have seen an increasing number of inbound travelers as the country extended visa-free access to more countries and gradually resumes international flights.

With the restart of direct flights between Chengdu and Auckland, New Zealand on Wednesday, the southwestern Chinese city now operates 49 nonstop passenger flight routes linking destinations outside the mainland on a regular basis.

The return flight 3U3812 from Auckland arrived at Chengdu Tianfu International Airport on Thursday night, marking the resumption of an air route connecting the two cities directly after a four-year hiatus.

There were 256 passengers aboard, and nearly half of them were from foreign countries including New Zealand, Nepal and Italy.

"[It's my] second time [here]. I've been to Chengdu five years ago. We want to do something early in the morning, and enjoy the food as well, which we really loved last time," said Johnston, a tourist from New Zealand.

As international air travel continues to resume, there's a significant increase in inbound visitors to Chengdu.

"The number of foreign nationals entering China through Chengdu Port since the start of this year is eight times that of last year, and more than 50,000 foreign nationals have enjoyed visa-free entry," said Li Weixi, deputy director of the border inspection department of Sichuan General Station of Exit and Entry Border Inspection.

As a gateway to ASEAN countries, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region is also benefited from the visa-free entry policy.

Nanning Wuxu International Airport, the region's aviation hub, has launched more than ten international flights to Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, as well as Japan and South Korea.

"It's convenient for us. It's very good for the relationship between our [countries.] It's very good for tourists to travel here and Chinese people to travel to Thailand," said Thai traveler Songsak.

Nanning's advantageous location and convenient transport have made Wuxu Airport an important transfer station for tourists. Some people from ASEAN countries will take high-speed trains or flights from Nanning to Guilin and neighboring provinces for sightseeing.

"(I tried) local delicacies including Guilin rice noodles and beer-braised fish. Those beautiful places in Guilin, like the Elephant Trunk Hill, have picturesque sceneries," said a Malaysian tourist surnamed Li.

Since China implemented mutual visa exemption with Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand, Guangxi has registered over 110,000 inbound and outbound travelers from and to the three ASEAN countries, including more than 33,000 foreign nationals who enjoy visa-free entry, according to data from the Guangxi General Station of Exit and Entry Border Inspection.

Visa-free policy, resumed int'l flights drive surge in inbound travelers

On his second official visit to China, Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu Charlot Salwai expressed admiration for China's remarkable ability to balance preserving its cultural heritage with embracing innovative transformation.

Salwai paid an official visit to China from July 7 to 12. During his trip, he toured the southern province of Guangdong and explored the megacities of Beijing and Shanghai. His visit included tours of high-tech companies, a ride on a high-speed train, and a performance of traditional Cantonese opera.

In an interview with China Central Television Network (CCTV) aired on Friday, Salwai recounted his journey starting with a warm welcome that included enjoying Beijing Roast Duck, also known as Peking Duck -- a culinary delight introduced to him by the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu.

"Many had to say. Peking Duck. Because we had it here on our arrival, so it was very tasty. And I understand that the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu brought us to one of the traditional restaurants, small but beautiful," he said. The prime minister sees China's preservation of its culture as a vital lesson in understanding one's roots and the journey to the present day, acknowledging China's efforts to integrate cultural preservation with modernization.

"It's going to be my second official visit to China. I'm always impressed to see big changes and especially innovations made by China and especially the cities. Because a big impression is to see how China continues to maintain and keep its culture. Because I think it's the basis of everything -- to know where you come from and to understand where we are today. I feel that China is doing a lot to maintain its culture, but at the same time, doing, innovating to transform its culture,” Salwai said.

He also emphasized the importance of learning from China's sustainable development strategies.

"Today, it comes from a long way, some hardship, the government, and also the people of China. So, I'm impressed to see what is done, especially how China associates infrastructure development with nature. That's meant to keep, continue to keep the environment. It takes effort with the climate change by maintaining the ecosystem. I think it's something that, for a small country like Vanuatu, is important to learn. So, we are here. I'm here with my delegation to learn," Salwai said.

Vanuatu's PM commends China's cultural preservation, innovation amid fast growth