China's 144-hour visa-free transit policy continues to fuel popularity of "China Travel"

China's 144-hour visa-free transit policy continues to boost the popularity of "China Travel."

The term has become a trending buzzword across social media, reflecting a significant surge in the country's cross-border tourism.

An increasing number of international tourists are now exploring the authentic China.

As a foreign-language tour guide, Liu Bing’s first task each day is to wait at the airport for international tourists arriving in Shanghai.

"Recently, we’ve seen more and more foreigners. They are very interested in the architecture here," Liu said.

The Bund is a must-see destination for foreign tourists in Shanghai, where they can experience firsthand the remarkable pace of China’s development, Liu noted, adding that they frequently commend China's high level of safety. "Some guests have told me that, no matter the time, as they walk through the streets and alleys of Shanghai, they feel exceptionally safe, with a sense of security in their hearts. The 144-hour visa-free transit policy has led to an increasing number of foreign tourists. The frequency of [tourists] from countries I had’t guided before has increased [in Shanghai]. I want to show them a more comprehensive view of Shanghai and China so that, when they return home, they can tell their relatives and friends about the tremendous changes that have taken place in China today compared to the past," he said.

The 144-hour visa-free transit policy is regarded as a key measure in attracting an increasing number of international visitors to China. It has been instrumental in advancing the country's high-level opening-up, facilitating the flow of people between China and other nations, and promoting exchanges and cooperation.

In addition to beautiful scenery and delicious food, "convenience" is one of the strongest impressions foreign tourists have when visiting China, with many international visitors noting that cross-border formalities are very convenient and that China's scenic areas offer excellent tourism service facilities.

Since April of this year, foreign visitors in cities like Shenzhen, Shanghai, and Suzhou have been able to use their overseas bank cards to purchase metro tickets directly.

China's 144-hour visa-free transit policy continues to fuel popularity of "China Travel"

A delegation of 40 students and teachers from seven Chinese mainland universities on Thursday wrapped up their nine-day visit to Taiwan. They set off for Taiwan on Nov. 27 and visited universities, historical sites, scenic spots, as well as sports, sci-tech and cultural venues on the island, widely engaging with locals throughout the tour.

The delegation made the tour at the invitation of the Taiwan-based Ma Ying-jeou Culture and Education Foundation.

"The young people from both sides of the Strait share the same root, and we are having a harmonious communication this time. We also welcome young people from Taiwan to visit the mainland for exchange," Cao Yibo, a student from Peking University, told reporters during the tour.

The delegation included table tennis Olympic champion Ma Long who studies at Beijing Sport University, and air rifle Olympic champion Yang Qian of Tsinghua University.

"In the future, I would like to visit Taiwan again. I did not expect that so many compatriots in Taiwan would come to welcome and us and pay so much attention to our exchange tour," Ma said.

Hsiao Hsu-tsen, executive director of the Ma Ying-jeou Culture and Education Foundation, saw off the delegation at the airport on Thursday, and said the mainland students and teachers had received Taiwan residents' heartfelt welcome wherever they went.

"The farewell dinner party was held yesterday evening, when almost all students from the mainland shared their feelings. What moved me so much is that every one of them thanked people here, because the latter sincerely and warmly welcomed them wherever they went during the nine-day tour. They told me that when they go back, they will tell their relatives and friends that people in Taiwan are kind, hospitable and warm. I believe that is the most important purpose of the exchange across the Strait," he said.

Calling youth exchanges a foundation of cross-Strait relations in the future, Hsiao said the foundation will carry on and continue to promote such exchanges across the Strait.

This is the second delegation of mainland teachers and students visiting Taiwan at the invitation of the Ma Ying-jeou Foundation, following the visit by a first delegation in July last year.

Delegation of mainland university students, teachers wraps up Taiwan visit