千笔楼丨带空箱子来中国，“China Travel”升级版来了

Core Insights - The topic of "bringing empty suitcases to China" has gained popularity on social media during the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holidays, indicating a shift from "China Travel" to "China Shopping" [2] - The National Immigration Administration reported that during this year's holiday, 751,000 foreign visitors entered China, with 535,000 benefiting from visa-free policies, marking increases of 19.8% and 46.8% respectively compared to the previous year [2] - The number of foreign tourists enjoying tax refunds upon departure has surged by 248% in the first eight months of this year, with tax refund sales increasing by 98% [2] Group 1 - The transition from "China Travel" to "China Shopping" reflects a growing trend among foreign tourists who are increasingly satisfied with their shopping experiences in China [2][5] - The number of foreign visitors entering China under visa-free policies reached 15.89 million from January to August, accounting for 62.1% of all foreign entries, a year-on-year increase of 52.1% [3] - The number of tax refund stores in China has exceeded 10,000 by the end of August, enhancing the shopping experience for foreign tourists [5] Group 2 - Cities in China are improving the experience for foreign tourists by enhancing mobile payment systems and providing seamless travel infrastructure, making it easier for visitors to navigate [6][7] - The integration of services across various travel scenarios has expanded the destinations for foreign tourists beyond major cities to include smaller towns, enriching their cultural experiences [7] - The influx of foreign capital is evident, with 59,000 new foreign-invested enterprises established in 2024, a 9.9% increase, and actual foreign investment amounting to $116.24 billion, making China the largest recipient of foreign investment among developing economies [8] Group 3 - The cultural exchange between China and the world is deepening, with foreign tourists gaining a more comprehensive understanding of China through their experiences [11] - The narrative of "China Travel" evolving into "China Shopping" signifies a broader economic and cultural engagement, showcasing China's openness and innovation to the world [8][11] - The ongoing improvements in service and policy are expected to attract more global attention, reinforcing China's position as a key player in international tourism and commerce [8][11]