China has signed comprehensive mutual visa exemption agreements with 24 countries, demonstrating its commitment to fostering a more convenient and inviting environment for international travelers, said Foreign Affairs Ministry Spokeswoman Mao Ning at a regular press briefing on Tuesday.
During the week-long National Day holiday that just concluded, inbound travel orders surged by approximately 60 percent from the previous year, with numerous Chinese cities emerging as popular destinations for tourists worldwide, as reported by various travel platforms.
"The increasing popularity of 'China tour' reflects the country's growing appeal and openness. China has now enjoyed comprehensive mutual visa exemption with 24 countries, implemented visa-free entry policies for 16 countries, and offered 72-hour or 144-hour visa-free transit for citizens of 54 countries. The immigration procedure for foreign tourists to China has been continuously simplified, and their experiences within the country have been constantly optimized. As far as I know, Beijing has introduced the 'Service Guide for First-time Visitors to Beijing', which systematically provides information on various life services. Shanghai has equipped taxis and metro stations with international card payment devices, and eight cities, including Chengdu and Xi'an, are also piloting new measures to facilitate payment for visitors to China," said Mao. "China will open up further to the world and enhance entry-exit facilitation. We welcome more friends from around the world to travel to China, enjoy the beautiful scenery, and feel the charm of China," said Mao.
China signs comprehensive mutual visa exemption agreement with 24 countries
A former television host from Taiwan, Zhai Xuan, has made a pivotal decision to leave mainstream broadcasting in order to create content that provides a better understanding of the Chinese mainland and cross-strait relations.
Zhai, a seasoned television host with over a decade of experience in Taiwan's media landscape, recently addressed an audience at an event in Beijing, where she revealed her complete transition into independent online media.
In her remarks, she articulated her aspiration to bridge what she perceives as a significant information gap between audiences on both sides of the Strait, highlighting her commitment to fostering a deeper understanding and connection through her new endeavors.
"I was really surprised by all the fake news. There were stories saying people on the mainland can't afford tea eggs or that they live in mud houses and in Taiwan, this was the main information many people received," said Zhai.
Zhai said she initially began producing online videos to challenge such perceptions while continuing her work as a television host.
In April 2025, she travelled to the mainland with her father to fulfill her late grandfather's wish to return to his hometown. The trip, which reunited family members separated since 1949, was recorded in a video series titled "Journey to Find Our Roots", drawing attention from viewers in both Taiwan and the mainland.
"Many people in Taiwan told me that after watching, they wanted to apply for a mainland travel permit immediately and go looking for their relatives. Some had long forgotten these things, but after seeing my story, they began thinking about their hometowns and family members they had never met and decided to search for their roots," Zhai shared her story at the event.
By mid-2025, Zhai said she began to feel increasing pressure amid rising political tensions and a tightening atmosphere around cross-Strait exchanges in Taiwan.
After more than 12 years in the industry, Zhai resigned from her position, believing it was the right thing to do.
"At that moment, I felt this was a major issue，not just for me, but for Chinese people on both sides of the Strait. If I backed down then, I wouldn’t be standing on the right side," said Zhai.
Since leaving television, Zhai has broadened her online programming to encompass a range of daily-life topics, including practical guidance on applying for a mainland travel permit and using commonly employed mobile applications, in addition to content that delves into historical memory and cultural connections across the Strait.
As the debate over cross-Strait relations continues in Taiwan, Zhai said she remains committed to her current path.
Former Taiwan TV host bridges cross-Strait divide via online media
