The 22nd China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair (ICIF) is set to kick off in Shenzhen City in south China's Guangdong Province, bringing a surge in inbound passenger flow to all ports in the tech hub.
The five-day fair will open on Thursday.
The Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport has seen multiple waves of passenger peaks.
Many foreign exhibitors and purchasers are making their border entry through the airport port, saying they intend to learn about the development of China's cultural industry and seek more cultural business opportunities at the ICIF.
"I am coming from Malaysia to China. Now there is no visa requirement -- it's visa-free. I work in the construction industry. I've heard about the ICIF and want to go and see it. It might help me a lot with interior design. I hope to get many ideas or inspiration," said Low Hun Boon, a Malaysian traveler.
"I believe many people will gain fruitful achievements at the ICIF. It will play a significant role in the development of the global cultural industry," said Richard, an Australian traveler.
According to the Shenzhen General Station of Exit and Entry Frontier Inspection, since the beginning of May, the number of border entries and exits by foreigners through the Bao'an International Airport has exceeded 77,000, a year-on-year increase of nearly 13.8 percent.
Among them, travelers from Malaysia, South Korea and Singapore rank at the top.
"Since the beginning of May, we have inspected nearly 40,000 border entries by foreigners, a year-on-year increase of over 12.9 percent. Among them, those entering visa-free account for more than 61.9 percent, a year-on-year increase of over 19.9 percent. Many travelers from Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Europe have shown strong interest in the ICIF, and many will also participate in its side events. We expect multiple passenger peaks at the port during the fair," said Ye Xianmao, deputy captain of the third duty team of the Shenzhen Airport Border Inspection Station, Shenzhen General Station of Exit and Entry Frontier Inspection.
The Shenzhen Bay Port is the nearest land port to the Hong Kong International Airport.
It is also the land port closest to the Shenzhen World Exhibition and Convention Center, with a direct drive of only about 40 minutes.
The convenient location makes the Shenzhen Bay Port a key gateway for the large number of foreign exhibitors and overseas professional visitors attending the fair.
According to the Shenzhen General Station of Exit and Entry Frontier Inspection, from May 1 to 17, the Shenzhen Bay Border Inspection Station processed over 63,000 border entries and exits by foreigners, a year-on-year increase of 28.6 percent.
"To facilitate the travel of participants, we have arranged for police officers proficient in foreign languages to provide consultation and support services. We have also opened a 'green channel' for vehicles carrying ICIF exhibits to achieve fast entry and exit clearance," said Zheng Jianfeng, deputy captain of the second duty team of Shenzhen Bay Border Inspection Station, Shenzhen General Station of Exit and Entry Frontier Inspection.
This year's ICIF is expected to attract 35,000 overseas professional visitors from 110 countries and regions, with 310 overseas exhibitors from 65 countries and regions participating online and offline.
Upcoming cultural industries fair draws peak arrivals of foreign travelers
