Guangzhou, the capital city of south China's industrial powerhouse of Guangdong Province, has capitalized on the time-honored Canton Fair and the run-up to the 15th National Games to boost inbound tourism and consumption.
Running from October 15 to November 4, the 2025 Autumn Canton Fair has attracted exhibitors and buyers from around the world. To enrich their stay, local malls have organized special one-day tours that showcase the city's heritage. At major attractions, foreign guests donned traditional Hanfu costumes to immerse themselves in the local culture -- an experience many described as a unique window into Chinese traditions.
"I really like Blue, and I like the design. I like the details, all the golden details, and nice traditional clothes. The tour they are making today is phenomenal. It's super," shared Philip Grotloh, an overseas buyer.
Building on the momentum of the Canton Fair, Guangzhou is seeking to promote its inbound tourism economy. The city has expanded in-store tax refund services covering electronics, clothing, jewelry, watches and more, making it easier for international exhibitors and visitors to shop.
The Canton Fair, officially known as the China Import and Export Fair, is held every spring and autumn in Guangzhou since its founding in 1957, and has been seen as a barometer of China's foreign trade.
"Guangzhou has so much to offer. Obviously, good food, good shopping, but also really good business opportunities as well. And Guangzhou is just such an approachable city. I feel like I belong here. I feel like I'm home. Like the tax refund service, very efficient, very easy. You just go in and you show them your passport. I actually got a refund just like within five or six minutes. So it was very, very quick," said Lena Gidwani, a buyer from Singapore.
Following the Canton Fair, the 15th National Games of China will be held in Guangzhou from November 9 to 11. Malls across the city plan to offer gifts and attraction tickets to spectators during the event to arouse public enthusiasm for sports and boost consumer spending.
"This [the National Games] is a big opportunity for Guangzhou, already with the Canton Fair bringing in a lot of people. So, the tourism is going to be phenomenal, and I'm sure there's going to be a lot more culture and dining experiences that we can enjoy," said Mo Vasandani, another overseas buyer.
South China's Guangzhou leverages trade fair, National Games to boost inbound tourism, consumption
China is gaining a growing reputation as one of the top global tourism destination as more international travelers marvel at its modern infrastructure and enjoy its safe and hospitable environment.
The country is experiencing a surge in tourism during the five-day May Day Holiday which began on Friday, with more and more global visitors making the trip thanks to the introduction of a range of visa-free and transit visa policies for ordinary passport holders from many countries.
The bustling city of Shanghai has seen a hike in international tourism in recent days, with a number of foreign visitors flocking in to explore China's culture and enjoy the local cuisine.
"We are impressed with China. We love China now, and we are similar in the culture. For example, the spicy food," said a tourist from Mexico.
Meanwhile, Chongqing, a mountainous metropolis in the country's southwest has also become a trending destination for tourists from across the world, with many amazed by its stunning and distinctive cityscape.
"[This] city on the hills is amazing, so when you first go to one of the rivers and you see how the huge buildings cluster over the rivers, that's amazing," said a British traveler.
"I also think that the infrastructures are very good and very futuristic and modern, like the subway is very efficient and it's very good. So I want to give a thumbs-up to like the Chinese people because I think they are very kind with foreigners, like every Chinese people I met in Shanghai and here, they always are very friendly," said a tourist from France.
On top of the eye-catching attractions and impressive infrastructure, many highlighted the friendly nature of the Chinese people and the sense of security they feel while traveling in the country.
A group of three friends from Spain said they have been impressed by the hospitable welcome they have received, and the level of social trust they have encountered during their stay China.
"We feel like at home, even though most of them they don't speak English, they are nice," said one of the group.
"You can [not worry about] the pocket, they don't try to like steal from you or anything. If you forget the phone at the table, they go like: 'hey, you forgot that'," said another.
"When we just arrived in Shanghai and he forgot the e-book in the plane and I received an email, like 'guys you you forgot the e-book in the plane'. So for us, it was wow, crazy," added another of the Spanish tourists.
Foreign visitors marvel at China's modern infrastructure; safe, hospitable environment
