China has seen a surge in inbound tourism and consumption in recent months, thanks to its continued efforts to ease entry policies and improve tourism services.
Encouraged by a wave of new visa-free entry policies, expanded tax refund coverage, and more convenient payment facilitations, an increasing number of inbound tourists are choosing China as their preferred holiday destination.
China has been experiencing a nationwide tourism boom amid the eight-day National Day holiday period that began on Oct 1, and also this year includes the traditional Mid-Autumn Festival, with domestic tourists and international visitors all embracing the holiday spirit.
Starting last month, China launched a new policy allowing Russian citizens to stay for up to 30 days visa-free. Since it was implemented, many border cities in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province have been welcoming large numbers of Russian tourists.
During the current holiday period, the arrival hall at an immigration checkpoint in the border city of Heihe in Heilongjiang has seen an influx of visitors from Russia.
"I want to take a walk and travel around Heihe, and I'd like to visit a beautiful village in the countryside called the Sino-Russian Ethnic Culture Park. I also want to shop for some nice things in the city center," said a Russian tourist.
The bustling morning market in Heihe has become a popular spot for many keen to find the finest local goods. Many stalls display bilingual signs in both Chinese and Russian, while some vendors have even learned to communicate with customers in Russian to better cater to the foreign visitors.
"I came here to learn about Chinese culture, taste delicious food, and enjoy the beautiful scenery. I love everything here," said another Russian tourist.
The new visa-free policy has also sparked a more than 38 percent year-on-year increase in inbound tourists in Heihe during the first six days of the ongoing holiday, according to data from the Heihe Exit-Entry Border Inspection Station.
Meanwhile, southwest China's Chongqing Municipality has also drawn a significant number of international visitors this holiday season, thanks to its unique mountainous landscapes, vibrant city atmosphere, and distinctive spicy cuisine, along with a wealth of cultural and tourism attractions.
To enhance convenience for foreign travelers, Chongqing has launched an upgraded English version of its hand-drawn cultural tourism map which points out key locations, including major landmarks, dining establishments, and recommended accommodations. Additionally, bilingual volunteer service stations have been set up in areas frequented by foreign visitors, where locals are offering helpful assistance to those who need it.
During the ongoing holiday period, various shopping districts in Shanghai have seized the opportunity to boost consumption by offering a series of festive deals and discounts and a variety of exciting pop-up events. The abundant supply of Chinese products as well as tax-free incentives has provided international visitors with even more shopping choices during their stay in China.
"[It's] very special in this shop because here we have tax free and good choice, good production," said a Belarusian tourist.
"I've just been to the almond shop, which is very different. So anything that's different from the UK, that's what we're looking for. So we're here for [many things]. And [we're also looking for] souvenirs. It's to take gifts back for the grandchildren, so lots of toy shops, lots of clothes for the kids, so that's good. And then we've got adults as well," said a British tourist.
A number of inbound tourists are also gradually expanding their shopping lists beyond the traditional souvenirs and tea gifts to now include more modern gadgets such as trendy toys, smartphones, drones, and other distinctive Chinese-made products.
In the southern Chinese metropolis of Shenzhen, many foreign tourists are visiting the popular Huaqiangbei commercial street, which also features one of the world's largest electronics markets.
To further enhance the convenience of inbound consumption, many cities across China have optimized their departure tax refund services, including the southwestern Guizhou Province, which launched a departure tax refund policy starting Oct. 1.
The policy allows overseas tourists to claim back value-added tax on eligible purchases made at seven designated tax refund stores before leaving the country from the Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport in the provincial capital, which now operates 12 international and regional passenger routes.
"The departure tax refund policy makes shopping more convenient and cost-effective. We are also more willing to take these Guizhou specialties home," said a tourist from Laos. Northeast China's Jilin Province has also recently officially implemented a similar refund policy for foreign tourists, with 54 tax refund stores now established across the province.
"[Jilin] is clean and wonderful. It's not my first time here, so I really like it," said a tourist from Russia.
China welcomes more foreign tourists as visa-free, tax refund policies drive consumption
China welcomes more foreign tourists as visa-free, tax refund policies drive consumption
China welcomes more foreign tourists as visa-free, tax refund policies drive consumption
