Shanghai has become a popular destination for South Korean tourists enjoying their days off, especially at weekends.
Since China began to implement trial visa exemption to ordinary passport holders from South Korea for short-term business, tourism, family visits, and transit on Nov 8, 2024, major hotspots in Shanghai have been filled with South Korean visitors every weekend.
For South Korean visitors to Shanghai, the former site of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea on the Madang Road is a must "check-in" spot. The nearby trendy shopping area of Xintiandi is also high on their itinerary.
Other iconic attractions such as the Bund, traditional Chinese garden Yuyuan, and century-old Wukang Mansion designed by the renowned Hungarian-Slovak architect László Hudec (1893–1958) which has been the residence of many celebrities, are also top spots among South Korean visitors.
Many of them appreciate the blend of traditional Chinese charm and European-style appeal in Shanghai.
"(It's) very clean, magnificent, and charming. (The Oriental Pearl), it's something you cannot see in South Korea. It's so spectacular," said a South Korean tourist.
Youngsters from South Korea have developed new ways to enjoy themselves in Shanghai, such as attired in traditional Chinese Hanfu costumes to have a photo taken at a studio at Yuyuan Garden.
A newlywed couple was spotted having wedding photos taken in front of the Wukang Mansion. China's visa-free transit extended from previous 72 and 144 hours to 240 hours has inspired them to capture their romance in Shanghai.
"It feels good to have our wedding photos taken here and so we made it. The landscape here is more exotic as compared with Seoul, and it's really nice," said the bridegroom.
Tourism data show that since China implemented the unilateral visa-free policy for South Korea, Shanghai has been the hottest destination for inbound tourists from the country, with booking orders increased by more than 180 percent year on year, or by 40 percent month on month, followed by Qingdao and Beijing.
South Korean tourists flock to Shanghai for weekend
South Korean tourists flock to Shanghai for weekend
South Korean tourists flock to Shanghai for weekend
Pakistan on Monday continued to tighten security in its capital Islamabad ahead of the expected second round of U.S.-Iran talks despite no indication that Iran has changed its mind about staying out of the negotiations with the United States.
Pakistan has placed the capital city and the neighboring garrison city of Rawalpindi on high security alert. On Sunday evening, the Pakistani government announced that ministries, government offices, and related agencies inside the Red Zone would shift to remote work on Monday.
According to police sources, some 20,000 police personnel, supported by hundreds of elite commandos, including snipers, have been deployed on security duty across the twin cities. Similar arrangements were made before the first round of peace talks.
Authorities have also suspended all public and goods transport in Rawalpindi and Islamabad as part of the security plan, while most entry points to the Red Zone have been sealed.
Major hotels, including Serena Hotel and Marriott Hotel, have asked guests to vacate after the government requisitioned the properties for the talks. Hostels and guest houses in the capital were also directed to close until further notice.
Analysts say Pakistan is still working in an effort to bring Washington and Tehran back to the negotiation table.
Pakistan on Sunday abruptly cleared potential venues for the next round of talks, including the Serena Hotel -- a five-star property in the Red Zone -- where the first round was held. Later that evening, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a 45-minute phone call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
Outside the Jinnah Convention Centre, which served as the media center for the first round of U.S.-Iran talks, the official backdrop for the negotiations has been put up again. Security personnel at the entrance confirmed that the media center is being rebuilt.
All signs suggest that Pakistan is making maximum preparations for the new round of diplomatic talks.
However, compared to the high-profile approach before the first round of talks, Pakistan's latest security measures, while more extensive, have been accompanied by a notably lower public profile. As of now, there has been no further word on the approval of press credentials.
According to Iranian media, this contrast sends a clear message: Pakistan's role has shifted from "enthusiastic host" to "cautious gatekeeper." Its goal now is to create a tightly controlled, secure, and media-free space where the main protagonists -- the United States and Iran -- can focus on building mutual trust.
On Feb. 28, Israel and the United States launched joint attacks on Tehran and other Iranian cities, killing Iran's then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, senior commanders, and civilians. Iran responded with waves of missile and drone strikes targeting Israel and U.S. bases and assets in the Middle East.
A ceasefire between the United States and Iran took effect on April 8. Iranian and U.S. delegations then held talks in Islamabad on April 11 and 12, but no progress was reported.
Pakistan tightens security in capital ahead of expected 2nd round of US-Iran talks
