China has introduced a series of measures to better welcome and accommodate foreign visitors during the upcoming Spring Festival, Vice Commerce Minister Sheng Qiuping said on Wednesday.
The Spring Festival, also known as the Chinese New Year, lands on Feb 17 this year. Domestically, the holiday sparks a travel rush as residents head home for family reunions; but increasingly, it is also becoming a time for international travelers to visit the country and experience the cultural charm of the country's most important traditional holiday.
Speaking at a press conference, Sheng said that the country is rolling out a series of supportive policies, including multilingual digital services, improved payment options and expanded tax-free shopping, to ensure global guests can fully embrace the festive atmosphere of the Chinese New Year.
"We welcome friends from all over the world to experience the Spring Festival in Chin, and we have prepared a series of supportive policies for you. In terms of festive activities, we've published a multilingual digital map that offers one-click access to temple fairs, lantern festivals, time-honored brands, and intangible cultural heritage markets to allow foreign visitors better enjoy themselves. In terms of shopping experience, we are making payment through bank cards, mobile payments, and cash more convenient for overseas visitors, because in an effort to offer a worry-free and efficient experience for overseas travelers. As for exclusive benefits, more than 13,000 tax-free shops for outbound travelers are well-stocked across the country with a wide variety of high-quality products," said the official.
"We welcome travelers from all over the world to visit and shop in China during the Spring Festival, joining us in celebrating the joy of the Chinese New Year," he said.
China launches supportive measures to welcome foreign travelers for Spring Festival: official
