外媒关注中国旅游业蓬勃发展——外国游客为何喜爱游中国

Core Viewpoint - The National Immigration Administration of China announced a significant increase in inbound and outbound passenger flow during the New Year's holiday in 2026, driven by policies such as extended visa-free periods and optimized entry services, highlighting China's growing importance in the global tourism market [1][5]. Group 1: Inbound Tourism Growth - The New Year's holiday in 2026 is expected to see a peak in foreign tourists visiting China, with a notable increase in inbound flight ticket orders, exceeding 320,000 from January 1 to 3, representing an approximate 11% year-on-year growth [5]. - In the first three quarters of 2025, the number of foreign visitors entering China under visa-free policies reached 20.89 million, marking a more than 50% increase compared to the previous year [5][6]. - The rise in inbound tourism is attributed to the appeal of China's cultural and natural attractions, with iconic sites like the Great Wall and the Forbidden City continuing to draw international visitors [6][7]. Group 2: Factors Driving Tourism - Five key factors driving the popularity of "China tours" include unique cultural heritage, impressive infrastructure, relaxed visa policies, high cost-effectiveness, and a safe environment with friendly locals [8]. - The implementation of visa-free policies has significantly boosted interest among Russian tourists, particularly among younger travelers, indicating a trend towards increased tourism from new markets [8][9]. - Recent initiatives in cities like Hainan aim to enhance the shopping experience for foreign tourists, further promoting China as a desirable travel destination [9]. Group 3: Technological Integration in Tourism - The integration of culture and technology is creating new tourism experiences, with projects like "Digital Huizhou" and carbon credit systems in Huangshan enhancing visitor engagement and promoting sustainable practices [10][11]. - Innovative technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are transforming traditional tourism, providing unique experiences that attract younger audiences and enhance cultural heritage [12]. - The combination of technology and tourism is becoming a competitive advantage for China, setting new standards and shaping its image as a future travel destination [12].