Smoother entry procedures and upgraded accommodation services are making it easier for overseas visitors to explore southwest China's metropolises, where local charm and a warm welcome turn every stay into an experience worth savoring.
As part of the country's efforts to boost inbound tourism, seven provincial-level regions including Chongqing and Sichuan have been piloting an online registration system for foreign tourists staying in non-hotel accommodation since March 20. The policy removes a major headache for visitors who previously had to go through cumbersome in-person procedures to book homestays, giving them the freedom to explore beyond traditional hotels.
"I think the app is very useful because I don't need to come to the police station after I arrive in China. I don't need to wait in line. I can just do it online on my phone and save my time," said Italian traveler Bergamino Franco.
The policy has triggered a 30 percent surge in homestay bookings across Chengdu and Chongqing. Traditional hotels are also introducing foreign-friendly services to catch up. Many now offer regular language training for staff, foreign card payment options, currency exchange counters, and multilingual brochures.
With their accommodation worries settled, overseas visitors have more time to wander through local alleys, soak up the vibrant street life, and savor the rich food culture of the region. The spending ripple effects are extending beyond lodging, fueling demand for cultural performances and immersive experiences.
"Chongqing 1949", a large-scale live stage show staged in a purpose-built 360-degree rotating theater, has taken the city by storm. The production tells the story of revolutionaries who fought for the city's liberation and has already staged over 4,500 performances since its premiere on July 1, 2021. Overseas tourist attendance in the first half of this year surged 300 percent year on year, underscoring the deepening ties between tourism and culture.
"Well, the performance was amazing. It was really surprising. The effects, the actors, the songs, everything was really beautiful," said Peruvian visitor Bruce Landa.
Official data showed that as of July 30, some 568,000 foreign tourists had entered China through Chengdu's airports, up 37.7 percent from the same period last year.
Service upgrades lure more foreign tourists to southwest China
