China's manufacturing purchasing managers' index (PMI) for April stood at 50.3 in April, indicating continued expansion in the sector with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) returning to the expansion zone and business momentum gradually strengthening.
This official figure released on Thursday marks two consecutive months of operation in the expansion zone after a rebound in March, suggesting that the country's manufacturing sector remains stable in a positive trend.
A reading above 50 indicates expansion, while one below 50 reflects contraction.
Data broken down by enterprise size showed that PMI readings for large, medium and small enterprises all remained within expansion zone in April.
Large enterprises posted a PMI of 50.2, remaining above the threshold for five consecutive months. Medium-sized firms saw their PMI rise 1.5 percentage points from the previous month to 50.5, while small enterprises recorded a reading of 50.1, up 0.8 percentage points from the previous month.
Manufacturing SMEs returned to the expansion zone after several months of sub-50 readings.
"The rebound of SME indices into the expansion zone shows, on the one hand, that policies designed for easing difficulties of businesses have been implemented effectively, and that enterprises are receiving tangible benefits. On the other hand, it shows that market vitality is clearly strengthening," said He Hui, vice president of the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing.
Experts say that, supported by relevant policies, manufacturing enterprises have become more optimistic about the market outlook, with growing willingness to expand production. "The Production and Operation Expectation Index has risen for three consecutive months, indicating that manufacturing enterprises' confidence in near-term market development has continued to strengthen. By industry, sectors such as food, liquor, beverage and refined tea production, as well as those related to automobile, railway, shipbuilding, and aerospace equipment, all recorded expectation indices at the relatively high expansion range of over 58 percent. Enterprises in these sectors are more optimistic about their development prospects for the near term," said Huo Lihui, chief statistician with the National Bureau of Statistics.
China's SMEs see notable rebound in business activity, market vitality in April
China is opening its doors wider than ever as it welcomes more and more international travelers with its expanded visa-free policies, giving a growing number of a foreign visitors the chance to come and experience the country's culture, convenience, and modern vitality first-hand.
Last year, China recorded more than 30 million visa-free entries, up nearly 50 percent from the previous year thanks largely to the expansion of a unilateral visa-free scheme which now covers 50 countries, as well as a 240-hour visa-free transit policy which allows visitors to stop over en route to a third destination.
On one of Beijing's oldest commercial streets, visitors from around the world were seen taking a walk, grabbing a bite, and diving into Chinese culture.
"It's an absolutely perfect country, with absolutely lovely people and a very interesting history. I've bought a book on the legends and myths of China -- very, very interesting," said Aleksandr Shoshin, a Russian visitor.
"The culture in China is incredible. The history in China, [going back] 5,000 years, and the history is still living. The traditions that the people are pursuing are still alive," said Ali Sarem-Aslani, a tourist from Germany.
For many outside visitors, the level of public safety is another big factor encouraging them to travel to China. The country ranks among the world's safest countries with one of the lowest crime rates, and public satisfaction with security has hovered above 98 percent for many consecutive years.
This strong sense of security is leaving a lasting impression on international travelers.
"First of all, I think the top priority is that the lifestyle here is so much safer. So I think safety is top notch," said Asfand, a Pakistani tourist.
Alongside the country's colorful culture and traditions, tourists are also getting to experience how the its advanced development and modern vitality is transforming life and bringing extra convenience to their trips.
Authorities in the Chinese capital also recently launched a one-stop integrated service platform called "Go Beijing" to better facilitate the stay of overseas visitors, providing tips and services on dining, accommodation, transportation, sightseeing, shopping, entertainment, and public services.
"The culture in China is incredible. The history in China, [going back] 5,000 years, and the history is still living. The traditions that the people are pursuing are still alive," said Ali.
"I use Alipay. I go to restaurants. I don't need to talk with people. I just make my order, and everything is paid, so it's very convenient," said Ruben Tomaz, a Portuguese tourist.
China's visa-free policies spark surge in inbound tourism
