By love-89.com Foreign Tourists Immersed in the Charms of Chinese Culture (Global Hotspot)
As foreign tourists stroll along Beijing’s central axis, they explore ancient architectural marvels. They visit the Terracotta Army at the Emperor Qin Shihuang’s Mausoleum Museum, and experience the vibrant local customs in Lijiang Ancient Town. For some time now, “traveling in China” has become a hot topic on overseas social media platforms. Many foreign visitors are sharing their experiences at cultural heritage sites, attracting a significant following and commentary from users worldwide.
Data from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism shows that from January to July this year, 5.722 million foreign tourists visited China, marking a staggering 403% increase compared to last year. A special survey by the China Tourism Academy on inbound visitor satisfaction indicates that over 60% of respondents cited experiencing Chinese culture as their primary reason for visiting China. Cultural richness and memorable experiences are at the heart of China’s appeal to inbound tourists.
“It’s a place you’d want to visit more than once.”
Not long ago, Hicham from Morocco took a leisurely walk along Beijing’s central axis. Starting from Wanchun Pavilion in Jingshan Park to Hong’en Guan, he was captivated by the array of iconic buildings that depict the charm of this ancient capital. “This travel route is incredibly surprising, allowing me to experience the seamless blend of historical relics and modern life. It’s truly remarkable,” he shared.
“I love it here! The experience of touring is amazing,” said Romanian tourist Bodnar after wrapping up his trips to Xi’an, Chengdu, and Chongqing. His phone gallery is filled with photos of the Terracotta Warriors and the stunning architecture of traditional pavilions. “I love China so much that I’m planning to return at the end of this year, exploring more places like Shenzhen.”
In Yunnan, Polish traveler Bernadette spent two weeks visiting multiple ancient towns. “I learned that Yunnan is located in southwestern China and is home to many ethnic minorities like the Bai and Yi,” she noted. In Kunming, she donned traditional minority attire, diving into the local customs. “From Dali to Lijiang Ancient Town, this has been an absolutely breathtaking journey,” she expressed.
Various travel platforms indicate that during the “Golden Week” holiday, inbound tourism orders surged by approximately 60% compared to the previous year, with many cities emerging as popular destinations for foreign tourists. A recent report from Ctrip on holiday travel consumption for 2024 highlighted a nearly 80% increase in daily inbound tourist numbers during this peak period, with over 50% of foreign travelers staying in China for more than seven days.
The China Tourism Academy has recently released a list of the top ten tourist destinations favored by inbound visitors, which includes iconic locations like the Forbidden City, Mutianyu Great Wall, and the Terracotta Warriors. Other popular spots include Lijiang Ancient Town, Zhujiajiao Ancient Town in Shanghai, and Wuzhen in Zhejiang.
“More and more tourists are discovering the deep cultural heritage and unique charms of China,” reported France’s 20 Minutes. Foreign visitors are exploring the rich local customs, enhancing their understanding of China. Some travelers are even inspired to visit ancient architecture in Shanxi because of the popularity of the game “Black Myth: Wukong.” Many foreign tourists express that China is a place they would like to visit repeatedly.
“Culture + Service” Enhancing Tourism Appeal
What makes “traveling in China” so attractive? Analysts point to the continuous optimization of cultural services and products as a key factor.
Li Xinjian, Executive Dean of the Capital Cultural and Tourism Development Research Institute at Beijing International Studies University, noted that innovative measures have been adopted across China to promote the deep integration of culture and tourism. A growing number of intriguing cultural tourism products have breathed new life into the cultural heritage left by ancestors, offering both domestic and international tourists meaningful cultural experiences.
A recent report from the China Tourism Academy on the high-quality development of inbound tourism emphasizes that inbound tourism is a key indicator of China’s tourism competitiveness. The trend for inbound tourism development remains positive in the first half of 2024, with China’s rich tourism resources and traditional culture garnering increased interest from visitors.
“Culture is a ‘superpower’ in attracting international visitors,” said Isabella Valentini, Deputy Director of the World Cultural Cities Forum, during the recent 2024 World Tourism Cooperation and Development Conference, emphasizing that cultural resources like museums and traditional arts are vital competitive advantages for tourist destinations.
The booming interest in “traveling in China” is also attributed to the ongoing enhancement of convenient facilities.
Recently, Beijing implemented a service allowing foreign bank card users to access the subway, with a cumulative entry count exceeding 30,000; Shanghai has equipped its taxis and subway stations with point-of-sale machines to support foreign cards; and cities like Chengdu and Xi’an are piloting new payment options for incoming visitors.
So far, China has established visa-free agreements with 24 countries, implemented visa exemption policies for 16 countries, and allows 72-hour or 144-hour visa-free transit for 54 countries, continuously simplifying the process for foreign tourists and optimizing their experiences in China.
“To meet the diverse needs of international tourists, China has taken a series of measures to enhance tourism service quality,” reported Singapore’s Lianhe Zaobao. Modern services such as mobile payments and online bookings are widely implemented in tourism, providing foreign visitors with a convenient and efficient travel experience.
“China’s policies aimed at facilitating foreign visitors, including visa exemptions and transit regulations, have significantly increased the number of foreign tourists,” Li Xinjian said. “These policies offer more opportunities for foreigners traveling to China, showcasing China’s international cultural image.”
Sustained Enthusiasm for “Traveling in China”
“I’m looking to visit China at the end of November. Any recommendations for attractions?” “My family and I are planning a trip to China; could you share your itinerary?” “Are there any discounts for hotels or tickets to attractions in China?” Many foreign social media users and bloggers continue to share their experiences in China through short videos and travel blogs, prompting numerous comments and inquiries about traveling in China.
Recently, after finishing his journey in China, Bodnar joined the ranks of those sharing travel advice. Under the hashtag “China Travel and Visa” on social media, he shared his itinerary, budget, and useful tips for booking tickets and hotels. He wrote, “I successfully completed my two-week trip based on travel hacks shared by fellow travelers on social media. Now I want to share my plans too and welcome any inquiries from those interested in traveling to China.”
Data from the National Immigration Administration of China recently revealed that interest in traveling to China remains high. During the “Golden Week” holiday, the number of foreign entries and exits reached 1.014 million, a 37.2% increase year-on-year.
“Are you planning your dream journey to this vast country? We’ve compiled a guide to address some of the most common questions about traveling in China,” reported CNN in a detailed article that covered how to apply for a visa, set up mobile payments, and recommended useful apps to download before traveling to China. The report noted that some foreign travelers changed their perceptions of China after their visits and began planning their next trips back.
“I’ve been to China many times. It’s incredibly captivating, with a long-lasting historical depth. China has a tremendous advantage in promoting inbound tourism,” remarked Peter Simon, Chairman of the Pacific Asia Travel Association. He hopes that China’s tourism products will continue to enhance cultural interactivity and novelty, allowing tourists to gain a deeper understanding of local cultures.
“I look forward to seeing more foreign visitors experience ‘interesting and meaningful’ cultural tourism products in China and explore the country’s rich tourism resources and profound cultural heritage. I believe that through this journey, an open, confident, civilized, and safe China will be presented to more international friends,” Li Xinjian concluded.