CHONGQING (CQNEWS) -- Recently, as China's visa-free policies continue to expand, including the implementation of the 144-hour visa-free transit policy, phrases like "City or not? City!" and "144-hour extreme tour" have been trending across major online platforms worldwide and “China Travel" has become the new buzzword in the international tourism market.

As one of the top 10 cities for inbound tourism in China, Chongqing has seen impressive growth: in the first half of 2024, over 80,000 foreign visitors entered China through Chongqing ports, marking a 3.6-fold increase year-on-year. Moreover, more than 340,000 foreign tourists stayed in Chongqing, a sixfold increase compared to the previous year.

Surge in foreign tourists at major scenic spots

"Very shocking!" "So perfect!" These were the words of admiration from Howard, a British tourist, as he explored the Dazu Rock Carvings on August 22. Along with his wife, Howard stood out in the bustling crowd, captivated by the historical site.

They were drawn to Chongqing after watching YouTube videos posted by travel bloggers. Their Chinese adventure included visits to Beijing, Xi'an, and Chengdu, where they marveled at modern conveniences like cashless payments, high-speed rail takeout services, and robot food delivery. "We haven't had enough and plan to return to China later this year," Howard shared.

The influx of foreign tourists this summer was evident across Chongqing’s scenic spots. Zhang Xin, a 27-year-old English tour guide, witnessed this firsthand. With over four years of experience, she observed that the inbound tourism this summer was the most vibrant she had ever seen. "I’m working nearly 12 hours a day, handling seven or eight groups each month," Zhang said, describing her schedule as a seamless connection of tours. Her calendar is already booked through the end of October.

This is what the Three Gorges cruise should be like!" Li Qing, Deputy General Manager of the marketing center for Century Cruises, exclaimed as he watched foreign tourists enjoying the stunning views of the setting sun over the river on August 20. The Three Gorges cruise, a flagship product of Chongqing's tourism industry, has always attracted a significant number of foreign visitors. "This summer, we welcomed over 10,000 inbound tourists, which experienced a year-on-year increase of 450%," Li Qing reported enthusiastically.

The newly popular Mexin Wine Town scenic area also experienced a surge in foreign visitors this summer. "We received over 6,000 foreign tourists, which showed a year-on-year increase of more than 300%," said Yang Xiaoyong, the scenic area’s manager.

Data from the National Immigration Administration revealed that in the first half of 2024, 14.635 million foreigners entered China through various mainland ports, showing a year-on-year increase of 152.7%. Notably, 8.542 million of these visitors entered China visa-free, accounting for 52% of the total and representing a year-on-year increase of 190.1%.

Cultural and lifestyle experiences: core attractions of inbound tourism

So, what’s driving this surge in "China Travel"? Zhang Dawei, Regional Government Affairs General Manager of Ctrip Group, attributes the rapid growth to several factors: the accelerated recovery of the tourism supply chain, visa optimizations, easier overseas payments, and better accommodation options.

China's expanded visa-free policies, particularly the 72/144-hour visa-free transit options, have also enticed many foreign bloggers to explore the country. Their short videos have dispelled stereotypes, making "China Travel" a trending topic and encouraging others to visit and experience the country themselves.

What do foreign tourists enjoy the most in Chongqing?

A recent survey by the China Tourism Academy revealed that cultural and lifestyle experiences are the core attractions for inbound tourists. Over 60% of respondents cited experiencing Chinese culture as their primary reason for visiting. Additionally, everyday experiences like food, healthcare, and shopping ranked highly among their activities.

Luo Zibo, Chief Expert at the Yangtze River Tourism Research Base of the China Tourism Academy and director of the Chongqing Cultural and Tourism Development Research Center, emphasized that tourism is fundamentally about physical and mental experiences. The differences in culture, landscapes, and cuisine are the main drivers of tourists' desire to explore new places. Chongqing, with its unique combination of mountains, rivers, vibrant urban life, rich culture, and distinctive cuisine, offers an unparalleled off-site experience for foreign visitors, making it a top destination in China. (Translated by Yuki, Fathom Language Limited)