Border inspection stations in Shenzhen City of south China's Guangdong Province saw a surge in cross-border trips during this year's Dragon Boat Festival after China expanded its visa-free policy to more countries.
On Sunday, China launched a trial policy granting visa-free entry to citizens from Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay.
Between May 31 and June 1, over 226,000 travelers moved through West Kowloon Station, bridging China's mainland and Hong Kong. Among them, nearly 10,000 were international journeys, with many foreign travelers benefiting from the visa-free policy.
"Definitely, China is a great country. They have a lot of technology, beautiful landscapes and we really like it," said a Peruvian tourist.
According to statistics from the West Kowloon Border Inspection Station under the Shenzhen General Station of Exit and Entry Frontier Inspection, a total of 550,000 foreign traveler trips have been inspected this year, up 34 percent year on year. Among them, over 115,000 visits made by foreigners are covered by the visa-free policy, marking a 1.2-fold increase year on year.
"We have set up special zones and channels for foreigners and increased the deployment of police officers proficient in foreign languages to provide multilingual translation, guidance and assistance with filling out arrival cards for foreign travelers," said Huang Chun, deputy captain of the No.1 duty team at the West Kowloon Border Inspection Station.
Liantang Port, the land port between Shenzhen and Hong Kong, also witnessed a slew of inbound visitors. From 07:00 on May 31 to 11:00 on June 1, over 107,000 travelers have passed through Liantang Checkpoint, including nearly 20 foreign visa-free groups.
The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu Festival, is a traditional Chinese holiday to commemorate ancient Chinese poet Qu Yuan from the Warring States Period (475-221 B.C.). Celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar, the festival falls on May 31 this year.
Guangdong 's border stations see surge in overseas travelers during Dragon Boat Festival
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
