Beijing's ancient hutongs are buzzing with a new international energy as China's expanded visa-free policy fuels record Spring Festival tourism. Visitors from Russia to France are snapping selfies with red lantern backdrops 🏮 while mastering the art of dumpling folding in local workshops.
"This feels like Christmas, New Year, and Carnival combined!" exclaimed Polish traveler Marta Nowak, clutching a freshly bought paper cutting artwork. Over 50% of interviewed tourists told CGTN's Chen Jiaqi they specifically timed their China trip to experience this cultural phenomenon.
The policy shift – allowing 15-day visa-free stays for citizens of 12 countries – has turned Beijing into a living cultural exchange platform. French student Pierre Lefèvre raved about his first tangyuan tasting: "Sweet rice balls > macarons? Fight me!" 🥢
Local businesses report 40% higher sales compared to last year's festival, with traditional crafts and AI-powered translation devices flying off shelves. As fireworks light up the Ming Dynasty city walls tonight, one thing's clear: Spring Festival 2026 is rewriting the rules of global cultural connection.
