The mutual visa exemption policy between China and Thailand has ignited the enthusiasm among the Thais to travel to China's Yunnan Province.
China and Thailand signed an agreement on mutual visa exemption in late January and it came into force on March 1.
Data from China's major online travel agency Trip.com showed that on March 1, the number of Chinese tourists to Thailand increased by more than 30 percent year on year, while travel orders from Thailand to China surged by threefold year on year, an increase of more than 160 percent compared with that of 2019.
Travel agencies in Yunnan have seen an increase in international business since then.
Data from the border inspection department show that Yunnan has seen 28,466 entries since March 1, an increase of 276 percent compared to that of one year ago.
Yunnan Dilang International Travel Service, which mainly offers group travel tour experience for foreigners, has served about 600 inbound tour groups after entry into force of the China-Thailand mutual visa exemption agreement.
"We have seen rapidly increasing demand not only from Thailand, but also from Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries. Thanks to visa-free policies, sufficient flights, and rich festive activities in Yunnan, travel demand from Southeast Asia has grown exponentially," said Li Qian, deputy general manager of Yunnan Dilang International Travel Service.
Some popular destinations such as Erhai Lake, Yulong Snow Mountain, UNESCO World Heritage Site -- Old Town of Lijiang as well as local specialty foods and drinks, cultural products, folk and ethnic performance are very popular.
"I like the natural scenery of Yunnan. I have shared videos on social platforms, and some of my friends want to follow the same tourist route," said Wilallak, a Thai tourist.
Visa free policy ignites enthusiasm among Thais to travel to China
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
