China's visa-free offer and global air travel rebounds have boosted the country's inbound tourism market, and foreign visitors enjoy their trips lit up by technology innovations at tourist attractions.
Starting from the beginning of this year, China's inbound tourism market has picked up with over 141 million inbound and outbound trips registered in the first three months, up 117.8 percent year on year. During the same period, foreign tourist arrivals amounted to 13,074,000, up 305.2 percent on a yearly basis.
When foreign visitors come to China, they expect more than just a conventional trip of trying Chinese cuisines, watching performances, viewing natural sceneries and visiting ancient towns. Many go to tourist attractions which boast state-of-the-art technologies.
China's first-ever suspended monorail train in Wuhan City of central China's Hubei Province has already been in operation. This "sky train" with wide windows and glass bottom looks like a futuristic vehicle in a sci-fi movie, attracting both domestic and foreign visitors.
"It's really like having a ride in an amusement park but a little longer. It is very stable in comparison with amusement parks and any other suspended activity," said a foreign visitor on the train.
Another foreign visitor said that the train runs so smoothly that it does not feel like a suspended one.
Surprisingly, such a smooth ride is achieved with no one behind the wheel, another piece of evidence that this vehicle may just come from the future.
Driver-less vehicles are not found only in Wuhan. China's first pilot zone for self-driving vehicles is located in Beijing's Shougang Park, a venue for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, where foreign visitors can get to try out self-driving taxis.
"It is kind of freaky to be sitting in a car that is moving and no one is driving," said a visitor from the U.S.
The taxi ran smoothly when it was accelerating, decelerating or making a U turn. Visitors were really impressed by the smooth ride and smart operation. "Very comfortable, very safe, very smooth. The only difficulty I had is that I don't read Chinese. But do it a few times and I will be easy to understand," said another American visitor.
Foreign visitors experience technology innovations at tourist attractions
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
