The Regatta cruise ship docked Sunday in Xiamen, Fujian Province with over 620 passengers aboard, reflecting the surge of international travelers fueled by China's visa-free policy.
This marked the first time the Regatta has docked in Xiamen, with most passengers being foreign tourists.
"Just amazing, the culture, the buildings, the architecture, everything, the beautiful gardens. I mean, you just don't see that," said Rachel, an American tourist.
The cruise ship arrived Xiamen during a holiday period in celebration of the Dragon Boat Festival. Passengers were excited to experience the celebration firsthand.
Also known as Duanwu Festival, the Dragon Boat Festival, which commemorates the ancient Chinese poet Qu Yuan from the Warring States Period (475-221 B.C.), falls on the fifth day of the fifth month in the Chinese lunar calendar. The most well-known festivities include dragon boat races and eating the traditional delicacy of zongzi -- sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves.
"Yes, I know (the Dragon Boat Festival). That's what we have been told. We are very lucky to be able to come here. So I'm quite excited," said a French tourist.
China has been steadily adjusting and optimizing its visa policies to boost cross-border mobility. Since late 2023, the country has rolled out a series of traveler-friendly measures.
In late May, China announced that citizens of four Gulf countries -- Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain -- will also enjoy visa-free entry for up to 30 days, from June 9, 2025, through June 8, 2026.
In addition, China on Sunday began implementing a trial policy that unilaterally grants visa-free entry to citizens of Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru and Uruguay. It is the first time that China has extended such access to nations in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Under the policy, which will remain in effect through May 31, 2026, holders of ordinary passports from these five countries can enter China without a visa for up to 30 days for purposes including business, tourism, family visits, cultural exchange, and transit.
The move is part of China's broader efforts to expand visa-free access in line with its commitment to high-level opening-up. With this expansion, China now offers unilateral visa-free entry to 43 countries.
China's visa-free policy draws global tourists as Regatta cruise ship docks in Xiamen
China's visa-free policy draws global tourists as Regatta cruise ship docks in Xiamen
