“坐着邮轮来中国”成新时尚：免签政策点燃全球游客的“东方热”

Core Insights - The implementation of the visa-free policy for foreign tourist groups arriving by cruise has significantly boosted China's cruise economy, with a notable increase in international tourist arrivals and spending [1][2][4] Group 1: Visa-Free Policy Impact - The visa-free policy has led to a "customs revolution," resulting in a surge in cruise traffic, with over 580 cruise ships and more than 2.26 million passengers recorded at Shanghai's border inspection station by May 2025 [2] - The Tianjin International Cruise Home Port saw a 67% increase in the number of cruise ships and a 93% increase in passenger volume year-on-year [2] - The policy has directly translated into a tourism consumption boom, with restaurant revenues around Tianjin's cruise port increasing by over 30% and Alipay spending by inbound tourists rising by 180% [2] Group 2: Cultural Experience Enhancement - The visa-free policy has not only increased visitor numbers but also fostered deeper cultural experiences, with international tourists engaging in local activities such as beer tasting in Qingdao and ceramic-making in Jingdezhen [4] - In 2024, over 20 million foreign visitors entered China under the visa-free policy, marking a 112.3% year-on-year increase, with the number of applicable ports expanding to 60 [4] - The influx of South Korean tourists significantly contributed to the increase in foreign visitors, with 1.67 million South Korean tourists entering Shanghai, a 4.7-fold increase from 2023 [4] Group 3: Streamlined Procedures - The entry process for foreign travelers has been simplified, eliminating the need for entry cards, fingerprinting, and stamps, reducing average processing time from 2 minutes to 3-5 seconds [5] - The scope of activities for tourists has expanded from coastal areas to include Beijing, allowing for a comprehensive "cruise + shore excursion" experience [5] Group 4: Challenges and Future Directions - Despite the successes, challenges such as cash dependency among older tourists and congestion during peak travel times have emerged [7] - China is implementing various service optimizations, including the use of automated inspection robots and a collaborative effort among six departments to enhance tourism infrastructure by 2027 [7] - Travel agencies are encouraged to design itineraries that avoid domestic holiday peaks to improve visitor experiences [7] Group 5: Conclusion - The popularity of cruising to China reflects the benefits of the visa-free policy and highlights China's cultural appeal and openness [9] - The ongoing optimization of policies and deep integration of cultural tourism are expected to further enhance the attractiveness of China as a travel destination [9]