Cross-border trips at Xi'an port in northwest China's Shaanxi Province have exceeded one million in 2025 as of mid-July, marking a 64 percent surge compared to the same period last year, according to data released by provincial authorities.
China's visa-free policy to more countries has fueled a surge in inbound foreign tourists, with the ancient city of Xi'an standing out as a favorite destination for many, attracting visitors with its rich history and vibrant culture.
Since the beginning of this year, Xi'an had recorded over 135, 000 border crossings by foreign nationals, with over 100,000 entries facilitated by visa exemption policies, official data showed. The data also showed that South Korea, Malaysia, and Russia are the top three source countries for international tourists visiting Xi'an.
Meanwhile, the China-Central Asia Summit's achievements have continued to expand, driving a notable increase in travelers from Central Asian countries compared to previous years.
Port in China's Xi'an sees over 1 million cross-border trips this year
President Vladimir Putin said at a briefing on Saturday that Russian forces had taken control of Hulyaipole, the second largest city in southeast Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia region.
According to the briefing, Russian troops also controlled Stepnohirsk in the Zaporizhzhia region and captured Dimitrov (known as Myrnohrad in Ukraine), Rodynske, and Artyomovka in the Donetsk region.
Putin said the takeover of Hulyaipole creates favorable conditions for Russian forces to continue their advance deeper into the Zaporizhzhia region while the capture of Dimitrov was a significant step towards the full seizure of the entire Donetsk region.
The Russian president said the Russian army is fully capable of resolving the issue militarily.
He also said that Russia is trying to end the conflict, but Ukraine is not in a hurry to resolve the conflict peacefully although the West has advised Ukraine to accept a solution.
Ukraine has not yet responded to Russia's statement.
Hulyaipole is located in a strategically important area in southeastern Ukraine, 98 kilometers from the regional capital, Zaporizhzhia.
Russia claims control of Zaporizhzhia's second largest city
