China’s tourism scene is buzzing like a K-pop concert crowd —over 17 million foreign nationals entered the country in the first seven months of 2024, a jaw-dropping 129.9% jump from last year! At a Tuesday press conference, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian credited the surge to China’s ‘open-door policies’ and upgraded travel services, inviting globetrotters to ‘see the real China.’
Social media is flooded with viral vlogs of foreign travelers exploring everything from Beijing’s iconic Great Wall to Shanghai’s neon-lit Bund. Lin joked he’s been binge-watching these clips himself—‘proof that more friends worldwide are falling for China’s charm.’
With over 6,300 international flights weekly (up 10% since June!), China is turbocharging access. Highlights of its pro-tourism playbook include:
15-day visa-free stays for travelers from 15 countries
Mutual visa exemptions with Singapore, Thailand, and four others
Extended 144-hour visa-free transit at 37 ports
From Shanxi’s ancient temples to spicy Sichuan hotpot , these policies aim to ‘bring China closer to the world’—and vice versa. As Lin put it: ‘Our doors are open. Come for the heritage, stay for the vibes!’
—over 17 million foreign nationals entered the country in the first seven months of 2024, a jaw-dropping 129.9% jump from last year! 
At a Tuesday press conference, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian credited the surge to China’s ‘open-door policies’ and upgraded travel services, inviting globetrotters to ‘see the real China.’
Social media is flooded with viral vlogs of foreign travelers exploring everything from Beijing’s iconic Great Wall to Shanghai’s neon-lit Bund. Lin joked he’s been binge-watching these clips himself—‘proof that more friends worldwide are falling for China’s charm.’
With over 6,300 international flights weekly (up 10% since June!), China is turbocharging access. Highlights of its pro-tourism playbook include:
, these policies aim to ‘bring China closer to the world’—and vice versa. As Lin put it: ‘Our doors are open. Come for the heritage, stay for the vibes!’ 
