Xiamen, a coastal tourist city in east China's Fujian Province, has seen more than one million passenger entry and exit trips since the beginning of this year, up 20 percent from the same period in 2024, data from the Xiamen Entry and Exit Border Inspection Station showed Wednesday.
By March 5, the Gaoqi Border Inspection Station had handled over 170,000 inbound tourist trips, a nearly 20-percent increase from the same period last year.
The customs authority attributes the increase to Chinese government policies and measures like visa-free entry and the increase of international flights.
"I've been in China many times, and I work here frequently. I've got a client here, and I work with and visit him twice a year. I love Chinese culture, actually. I'm a very big fan. I love coming here," said British tourist Tebot at the city's Gaoqi International Airport.
Billy, another tourist from Australia, looked forward to watching Ne Zha 2, the Chinese animated blockbuster that has smashed its way to a stunning box office landmark since its release on the first day of the Chinese New Year.
"I have seen this (Chinese animated film Ne Zha 1) before. My friends have told me to watch it (Ne Zha 2), and all of them tell me I need to watch the show. I will definitely watch it now," he said.
Currently, Xiamen offers 28 regular international and regional direct flights, covering destinations across Asia, Europe, North America, and Oceania.
Xiamen sees entry, exit trips exceed 1 mln
