Move over, ‘Euro summer’ – 2024 is all about the ‘China wave’! International travelers are flocking to the Chinese mainland at record speeds, thanks to new visa-free policies that have turbocharged tourism. With over 17 million visitors in just seven months – a 130% jump from 2023 – airports like Beijing Capital International are buzzing like K-pop concert queues.
What’s the secret sauce? From 144-hour visa-free transit windows (hello, spontaneous layover adventures!) to mutual exemption deals, Beijing’s policies are smoother than a TikTok travel hack. \"It took me 15 minutes to clear immigration,\" gushed Marie K., a traveler from Germany, while snapping selfies with airport staff.
Economic glow-up alert: Analysts say this tourism tsunami could boost everything from night markets to tech expos. And culturally? It’s a ‘double-tap’ win – travelers get ancient temples and AI-powered high-speed trains, while China showcases its modern hustle.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com