The ports in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region saw a surge in inbound visits by foreigners to nearly 500,000 in the first two months of 2025, up 27.2 percent year on year, according to the data released by the region's immigration inspection authorities.
The spike in foreign entries came as China has ramped up efforts to facilitate cross-border travel and boosted enthusiasm for cross-border tourism.
Over 2.3 million entries and exits were registered at the ports in Guangxi in January and February, marking a 12.2 percent increase from a year earlier.
Youyi Pass, or Friendship Pass, in Pingxiang City, a key land route between China and ASEAN countries, has witnessed a growing number of travelers crossing the border to explore local delicacies and cultural attractions.
At the port, visitors from across China were seen queuing for border checks before heading abroad.
Dongxing Port, the busiest land border crossing between China and Vietnam, has become a hub for cultural exchanges.
Cross-border buses operate at the inspection border gate, providing direct access to scenic spots.
"We have implemented pre-arrival inspections and dedicated lanes for tour groups to ensure efficient entry procedures. Plus, we have provided fast-track clearance for inbound tour groups, allowing them to go through inspections upon arrival. The steady increase in daily clearance volume reflects the growing popularity of cross-border tourism," said Fan Chunli, deputy team leader of the Dongxing Border Inspection Station.
"I often visit Dongxing with my family on weekends. The border crossing is fast and convenient, just like going home," said Nguyen Huong Lan, a tourist from Vietnam.
"We usually guide four to six Vietnamese tour groups a week. Many of them visit Shanhai Xianglian Square in Zhushan Town in Dongxing to see China’s National Highway 219, while young travelers enjoy checking out the Erqiao night fair and tasting unique Chinese snacks," said Chinese tour guide Lan Zhen.
As of March 11, Dongxing Port had recorded over 1.5 million entries and exits since the beginning of this year.
More than 2,000 Vietnamese tour groups comprising over 17,000 Vietnamese tourists, have entered China via the port, underscoring the strong momentum of cross-border tourism and Dongxing's growing appeal as a gateway for international visitors.
Guangxi ports see nearly 500,000 inbound entries in first two months of 2025
Guangxi sees nearly 500,000 inbound entries in first two months of 2025
Officials and scholars from the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region have welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping's keynote address at the opening ceremony of the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC Forum in Beijing on Tuesday.
They said that the speech laid out the practical achievements and broad prospects of the China-LAC community with a shared future, put forward new initiatives and actions for the development of China-LAC relations, and signaled the direction for both sides to achieve common development and revitalization and write a new chapter in China-LAC relations.
"The projects designed by China for this region meet the needs of Latin American countries. In terms of development and investment projects, such as infrastructure, clean energy and digitalization, they are very important for Cuba. And projects such as the planned Brazil-Peru bi-oceanic railway and the expansion of the port of La Guaira in Venezuela directly and indirectly create jobs and benefit Latin American people," said Eduardo Regalado, a researcher at the International Policy Research Center of Cuba.
Uruguayan President Yamandu Orsi said that his country is committed to carrying forward the positive momentum of the China-CELAC Forum when it assumes the rotating presidency of CELAC from Colombia in 2026.
"Uruguay is looking forward to taking over next year and continuing the tradition of the past decade. To this end, we must strengthen the development of these platforms for promoting multilateralism, and carefully protect the achievements made by both sides at this year's meetings. We should not only achieve development in the field of economy and trade, but also contribute to promoting world peace," he said.
Other politicians from Latin America pointed out that China and LAC countries are all important members of the Global South, and are comprehensive cooperative partners featuring equality, mutual benefit and shared development. In a profoundly changing world, the strengthening of China-LAC solidarity and collaboration is an example of true multilateralism and sets a model for South-South cooperation, some said.
"President Xi Jinping has a broad vision for global development. China has made amazing development achievements, which have become a part of modern society, including technology, artificial intelligence and clean energy. The inflow of Chinese investment, such as for the construction of Chancay Port, has activated development in a variety of sectors [in Peru]," said Edgar Tello, a Peruvian congressman.
"President Xi Jinping announced the strengthening of South-South cooperation and the launch five programs. It will give more Latin American people the opportunity to study in China. China will provide a 66-billion-yuan (about 9.16 billion U.S. dollars) credit line to provide financial support for the development of LAC countries. And China will promote the civilization program to carry out cooperation in archaeology and civilization research. Such mutual cooperation and win-win initiatives between China and LAC countries are inspiring. We in Honduras are sincerely delighted with the series of cooperation plans announced by President Xi," said Rasel Tome, vice president of the National Congress of Honduras.
Officials, scholars praise Xi's keynote speech at China-CELAC Forum
