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
Global observers have welcomed the recent summit between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump, emphasizing that a stable, healthy relationship between the world's two largest economies is essential for global peace and development.
Xi concluded a three-day state visit to the United States on Friday, where he and Trump reaffirmed their commitment to a constructive, strategically stable relationship guided by fairness, reciprocity, and mutual respect.
Ko Ko, chair of the Myanmar Narrative Think Tank, expressed optimism that the two major powers can work together to foster global development and steer the international community toward a stable, prosperous, and peaceful future.
"The world today faces many destabilizing factors and conflicts. If China and the United States, as two major powers, join hands to promote world peace and development, they can help move the world toward greater stability, prosperity, and peace. The two countries should avoid conflict and pursue cooperation, especially in economic and trade fields, thereby contributing to global development," said Ko Ko.
"President Xi uses 'giant ship' to describe China-U.S. relations. I think it's a very appropriate metaphor as giant ship signifies stability and long-term vision, as well as a journey toward a broader future," said Omar Tahboub, editor-in-chief of Olives Green Times (OGT).
Experts also emphasized that as the world's two largest economies, China and the United States carry a collective responsibility to address pressing global challenges through sustained cooperation.
"In my view, I would argue that this strategic new vision, it's very important in the context of U.S.-China relations. And this is because the vision emphasizes the need for cooperation. In terms of cooperation, given the fact that both countries are the largest economies globally, both countries are the most influential countries globally. It is important for them to cooperate and it's also in the realization of the fact that despite their differences, there are areas of mutual interest," said Dr. Oluwaseun Tella, director of the Future of Diplomacy at the University of Johannesburg's Institute for the Future of Knowledge.
"There's that kind of understanding, it seems between the Chinese leadership and the American leadership that conflict between the two countries ought to be avoided. That there are benefits to cooperation; that there needs to be a positive atmosphere; that there has to be an enhancement of trust and so one can hope that both parties are working assiduously to address those very major issues," said Aurel Braun, professor of International Relations and Political Science of University of Toronto.
"When we talk about China and the US. These are obviously two world powers that do influence a lot of the economic shifts that happen country or worldwide. So, it's important that obviously there is cooperation [and] coordination," said Natalie Kaunda, an economist and development expert in Zambia.
Beyond economic and diplomatic frameworks, former Greek Foreign Minister Georgios Katrougalos emphasized the role of people-to-people exchanges in building lasting bilateral stability.
"I was very much impressed by the idea and proposal of President Xi that 100,000 young Americans would visit China. Exactly because if we want to build stable bilateral relations, there is now stable ground that people know other people, especially young ones," said Katrougalos.
Global observers welcome Xi-Trump summit, calling stable US-China ties essential for world peace
