Jiangsu Province in east China is experiencing a noticeable uptick in both inbound and outbound tourism in the seven-day National Day holiday, with more convenient, authentic cultural experience available for international visitors.
In Yancheng City in northern Jiangsu, travel agencies reported a surge in inquiries for international trips both online and on-site.
"Because the National Day holiday offers rather ample time for leisure, the outbound tourism is mainly concentrated in Japan, South Korea and some Southeast Asian countries. The bookings have increased by five to 10 percent year on year," said Wang Jun, a travel agent in Yancheng.
In Yangcheng's Nanyang International Airport, border inspection officers took a number of approaches to handle increased passenger flow on Tuesday, the National Day, when outward passenger flow peaked.
"(Our approaches) include getting the latest passenger flow information at the earliest possible time, opening all inspection channels, and ensuring the safe and smooth customs clearance for all inbound and outbound travelers," said Wang Peng, an officer at Yancheng Entry-Exit Border Inspection Station.
According to the National Immigration Administration, the daily inbound and outbound passengers will average 1.75 million during the Golden Week this year, an increase of 18.5 percent over the same period last year.
Suzhou, the iconic Jiangsu city known for its classical gardens and water towns, is emerging as a hotspot for international tourists.
Its ancient town of Tongli has already received 40,000 foreign tourists this year, a staggering 130 percent increase from the previous year.
"The ticket purchase process has been greatly simplified. While being able to make online payment, foreign guests may also use their credit cards as we offer convenient POS settlement in collaboration with banks. In both ways they can buy tickets smoothly in Tongli," said He Hong, vice president of Tongli International Tourism Development Co., Ltd..
"(It is) super easy. I think once you just add your international bankcard, and you just call your bank and let them know that you are coming here. Alipay works great, I have both VISA and Mastercard uploaded there, (and it's) super easy and convenient in terms of transportation. I think anybody who wants to experience authentic Chinese culture, it's nothing like what I've experienced before, and I think there is only a small percentage of people who have ever got to experience something like this," said a foreign tourist.
Beyond water towns, Suzhou's classical gardens, including the Humble Administrator's Garden and the Lingering Garden, continue to draw foreign visitors. And local tour operators are focusing on immersive experiences.
"Apart from tasting Suzhou delicacies and special flavor, we have also presented an in-depth experience of intangible heritage tour, including taking rowboats in Suzhou and experiencing Suzhou embroidery. The aim is to let the tourists get immersed into the culture, rather than just sightseeing," said Zhu Hongyi, head of Suzhou Peace International Travel Service Co., Ltd.
Suzhou alone has received nearly 600,000 overnight international visitors this year, marking a 90 percent year-on-year increase.
National Day holiday boosts outbound, inbound tourism in Jiangsu
