International visitors are immersing themselves in China's rich cultural heritage, savoring local delicacies and reveling in the vibrant temple fairs during the Spring Festival holiday, thanks to the added convenience of the visa-free policy.
Last year, China continued easing its visa policies to boost people-to-people exchange, allowing more foreign travelers and businesspeople to visit the country visa-free. Its latest move was an extension of its visa-free transit policy, which has permitted eligible foreign travelers to stay in the country for 240 hours without a visa.
As Spring Festival celebrations are in full swing, many foreign tourists went to southwest China's Chengdu to enjoy the festival atmosphere. Local authorities estimated that Chengdu will see over 10,000 inbound tourist trips during the Spring Festival holiday this year, more than tripling compared to the same period last year.
At the temple fair held at Wuhou Shrine, one of Chengdu's most iconic landmarks, foreign tourists have the opportunity to experience intangible cultural heritage folk activities. Children dressed in festive costumes are presenting visitors with gifts, including Fu characters symbolizing good fortune, to convey their best wishes.
"This is my first Spring Festival here in China. I'm so excited and happy to share this culture with Chinese people. I got 'hongbao', red packets, from these little girls, and I love so much this culture and this festival," said Hala, a Moroccan tourist.
The temple fair at Wuhou Shrine also hosted nearly 100 stalls featuring local delicacies. Foreign tourists can not only enjoy sugar-figurine blowing and dough modeling, but try to make local snack "Sandapao," a dessert made of glutinous rice.
"It's a very amazing place and I throw this rice into the sauce. And it's the first time I have tried this. It's very good," said a Yemeni tourist Zeid.
Some foreigners were amazed by the paper-cutting skills of local artisans.
"They did a paper-cutting from a picture of me, and I'm very excited. It's very good, and they cut it the same as my face. And it's first time I have experienced that. And I'm very happy. I'm very happy to see the Chengdu people. They are very good and I love the culture of Chengdu and the hospitality of the Chengdu people," said Khan, a Pakistani tourist.
Int'l visitors in China delight in temple fairs, local delicacies during Spring Festival
Int'l visitors in China delight in temple fairs, local delicacies during Spring Festival
Int'l visitors in China delight in temple fairs, local delicacies during Spring Festival
