China's continuous optimization of entry-exit policies has fueled a surge in cross-border tourism in the first quarter of this year.
The Mohan Port in southwest China's Yunnan Province, which borders Laos, logged a daily average of 5,300 trips in the first quarter of 2024, with the highest number of travelers exceeding 8,000 a day, statistics showed.
Nearly 500,000 travelers from 71 countries and regions passed the port, a year-on-year increase of 51.8 percent.
To cope with the rising number of travelers, the port has rolled out several measures.
"We've deployed the police force in a scientific manner, and introduced convenience measures such as the 'Belt and Road' special channel, customs clearance booking service for inbound tour groups, mobile consultation stations, and 24-hour barrier-free customs clearance. All this has effectively ensured smooth and fast customs clearance," said a border force officer.
The Horgos Port in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region also saw a surge of travelers in the first three months this year.
With the launch of the Kazakhstan tourism year, an increasing number of Chinese and Kazakh citizens have been traveling between the two countries for sightseeing. "In the first quarter of this year, the entries and exits at the Horgos Port grew rapidly, jumping nearly 5.6 times from the 2019-level. On average, about 2,500 people enter and exit the port each day, mainly for tourism, visits to relatives and friends, and business visits," said Xu Xiaohu, a team leader of the Horgos entry-exit border checkpoint.
China sees cross-border tourism boom in Q1
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
