China's visa-free policies spark surge in inbound tourism

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

Thailand's rural tradition of elephant stewardship is rapidly vanishing as livelihoods change and younger people pursue opportunities elsewhere, threatening centuries of irreplaceable elephant-care knowledge.

For generations, mahouts in the region have passed on their tradition of closely bonding with the elephants they care for. Taweesuk Lapsan is one of a dwindling number of mahouts who diligently carry on the practice.

Long before the sun rises over the fields, he was already at work, gathering bundles of food for an animal that had been part of his family for generations.

"We've had elephants since our grandparents' and great-grandparents' generations. We've been around elephants our whole lives, so we have a strong connection and experience in raising them. That's how we've been able to live with them like this," the mahout said.

Caring for his elephant was not merely a job, but an inherited way of life. Years of daily coexistence forged an intimate bond defined by an intuitive understanding of subtle movements, sounds, and hesitations that take a lifetime to master.

"We live together like this. It's like a family. We're like family; we always go through things together. Until we breathe our last, it just depends on who lives longer," said Taweesuk.

Mahouts and elephants have been woven into parts of Thailand's cultural landscape, from rural livelihoods and traditional practices. However, the tradition has been upended by the collapse of the commercial logging industry and the rapid expansion of tourism.

As fewer young people follow in their families' footsteps, conservationists warned that an intricate system of animal care, refined over centuries, faces gradual extinction.

"When a mahout disappears, they are replaced by people who simply come in to take care of the elephants, essentially, elephant keepers. There are differences in terms of the bond between the keeper and the elephant, the cultural aspects, and the passing down of knowledge and traditions from one generation to the next. So we are concerned about the quality," said Parntep Ratanakorn, Secretary General of the Asian Elephant Foundation of Thailand.

Taweesuk said that his daughters may choose paths far removed from the stables, a decision he fully respects. As the practice fades, experts warn the loss extends far beyond a vanishing cultural heritage, threatening the daily welfare safety nets upon which captive elephants rely.

Thailand's centuries-old elephant care tradition face extinction as livelihoods change