As festive lights light up Shanghai’s skyline 🎄, iconic spots like the Bund and Xintiandi are buzzing with a new energy: South Korean tourists snapping selfies, shopping, and soaking in China’s cultural vibes. Thanks to China’s visa-free policy for ordinary passport holders from South Korea (launched November 8), travel between the two nations is booming like a K-pop hit 🎶.
From families exploring Shanghai Disneyland’s Cinderella Castle 🏰 to solo travelers diving into Beijing’s hutongs, South Koreans are leading a tourism revival. Ctrip data shows arrivals in Shanghai have skyrocketed by 180% compared to 2023, with a 40% spike since the policy began. Cities like Qingdao and Beijing are also trending 📈.
But it’s not just Seoul-to-Shanghai flights filling up. China’s relaxed visa rules are reshaping global travel 🌏. The National Immigration Administration reports 29.2 million foreign visits from January to November 2024—an 86.2% jump year-on-year. Over 17 million travelers entered visa-free, up 123.3%!
Whether you’re a K-drama fan chasing filming locations 🎥 or a foodie craving dim sum, China’s open-door vibe is connecting cultures—and wallets 💸. Stay tuned for more updates on Asia’s travel revolution!
