Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the articles highlights China's ongoing efforts to optimize its entry policies, including unilateral visa exemptions and other facilitation measures to attract more foreign visitors [1][2][4] - From January to August this year, the national border inspection authorities recorded 460 million entries and exits, a year-on-year increase of 14.9%, with 15.89 million visa-exempt foreign visitors, accounting for 62.1% of foreign entries, marking a 52.1% increase [1] - The Ministry of Commerce, along with nine other departments, has issued policies aimed at expanding service consumption, which includes increasing the number of countries eligible for unilateral visa exemptions and enhancing visa policies for foreign visitors [1][2] Group 2 - The implementation of the visa exemption policy is expected to significantly reduce travel costs and time for tourists, thereby enhancing their travel experience and expanding China's inbound tourism market [2] - The Shanghai Municipal Commerce Committee has launched an action plan to optimize the duty-free shopping environment, aiming to make Shanghai a benchmark city for duty-free shopping with a well-structured network and rich product variety [3] - Shenzhen has introduced a new duty-free shopping model that allows for a seamless shopping experience for outbound travelers, further enhancing the attractiveness of inbound consumption for foreign visitors [3]

Group 1 - The trial implementation of a visa-free policy for Russian citizens in China officially took effect on September 15, leading to a significant increase in tourist traffic at border ports near Russia [1][3] - On September 15 and 16, the Hunchun port in Jilin experienced a busy scene with multiple batches of Russian travelers passing through smoothly, aided by the establishment of a "single exemption dedicated channel" to reduce waiting times [3] - The first day of the visa-free policy saw over 1,000 Russian travelers entering China, marking a 104% year-on-year increase, with a corresponding rise in inquiries and bookings at local attractions in Hunchun [5] Group 2 - In addition to the visa-free policy, Jilin Province launched a tax refund policy for foreign travelers on September 1, which allows them to claim refunds on VAT for personal items purchased in the province [7] - The actual refund rate for travelers is approximately 9% or 6% of the product price, with the first batch of eligible stores covering popular consumer categories such as food, daily necessities, and local specialties [7] - Russian travelers can process tax refunds at local supermarkets after spending over 200 yuan, with the store providing necessary invoices to facilitate their exit from China [9]

Core Viewpoint - The introduction of a visa-free policy for Chinese group tourists to South Korea is expected to significantly boost travel between the two countries, although current travel volumes have not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels [2][4]. Group 1: Visa-Free Policy Impact - Starting from September 29, South Korea will implement a visa-free entry policy for Chinese group tourists (3 or more), allowing a stay of up to 15 days [2]. - There has been a notable increase in flight searches to South Korea, with international ticket search interest rising over 60% year-on-year, and searches for flights to Seoul and Jeju Island more than doubling [2]. - The expected increase in traveler numbers due to the visa-free policy is anticipated to manifest more clearly in 2024 [2][4]. Group 2: Current Travel Statistics - Currently, the flight volume on the China-South Korea route has recovered to approximately 86% of pre-pandemic levels, while other international routes have returned to full capacity [4]. - In the first half of the year, the passenger transport volume on the China-South Korea route reached over 7.81 million, a year-on-year increase of 24.3%, but still only about 80% of 2019 levels [4]. - It is projected that the number of travelers between China and South Korea will reach 8 to 9 million this year, with a full recovery to 2019 levels expected by 2027, largely driven by the visa-free policy [4]. Group 3: Korean Airlines' Market Position - Korean Air is the largest carrier on the China-South Korea route, operating over 100 more flights monthly than its nearest competitor, China Eastern Airlines [8]. - Korean Air plans to acquire Asiana Airlines by the end of 2024, which will become a subsidiary, and the merger is expected to be completed within two years [9]. - Post-merger, the combined fleet will exceed 200 aircraft, serving 24 cities in China with 33 routes, making it the largest foreign airline group in terms of flights to China [10]. Group 4: Implications for Chinese Airlines - The merger of Korean Air and Asiana Airlines is expected to have significant implications for international routes, particularly as South Korea serves as a major transit point for Chinese travelers heading to Europe and the U.S. [11]. - Currently, the recovery rate for China-U.S. routes remains below one-third of pre-pandemic levels, leading to increased passenger traffic for Korean airlines as travelers seek alternatives to high direct flight prices [11]. - Korean Air has seen a significant increase in market share on China-U.S. routes compared to pre-pandemic levels, as both Korean airports and airlines work to attract more transit passengers [11].

Group 1 - The introduction of a visa-free policy for Chinese group tourists to South Korea is expected to significantly boost traveler numbers starting next year, with a 15-day stay allowed [1] - As of September 11, international flight search interest for the upcoming National Day holiday has increased by over 60% year-on-year, with searches for flights to Seoul and Jeju Island more than doubling [1] - Currently, the passenger and flight volumes between China and South Korea have not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels, but the visa-free policy is anticipated to drive growth in 2024 [1][2] Group 2 - Korean Air has restored approximately 86% of its flight capacity on the China-South Korea routes, while other international routes have returned to pre-pandemic levels [2] - In the first half of this year, the passenger volume on China-South Korea routes reached over 7.81 million, a year-on-year increase of 1.52 million, representing a growth rate of 24.3% [2] - The total number of global tourists visiting South Korea in 2024 is projected to be 16.37 million, with Chinese tourists making up 28.1%, although this is only 76.4% of the 2019 figures [2] Group 3 - It is estimated that the number of travelers between China and South Korea will reach 8 to 9 million this year, with a full recovery to 2019 levels expected by 2027, largely driven by the implementation of visa-free policies [3] - Following the visa-free policy for Chinese tourists, there has been a notable increase in the number of Korean visitors to cities in China, particularly Shanghai, Qingdao, and other coastal cities [3] - Korean Air's passenger load factor on China-South Korea routes has improved by approximately 10 percentage points since the implementation of the visa-free policy [3] Group 4 - Korean Air is the largest carrier on the China-South Korea routes, operating over 100 more flights monthly than its nearest competitor, China Eastern Airlines [5] - Korean Air announced plans to acquire Asiana Airlines by the end of 2024, which will become a subsidiary, with the merger expected to be completed within two years [6] - Post-merger, the combined fleet will exceed 200 aircraft, serving 24 cities in China and operating 33 routes, making it the largest foreign airline group in terms of flights to China [6] Group 5 - The merger of Korean Air and Asiana Airlines is expected to have a significant impact on international routes, particularly as South Korea serves as a major transit hub for Chinese travelers heading to Europe and the U.S. [8] - Korean Air's market share on U.S. routes has increased significantly compared to pre-pandemic levels, attracting more transfer passengers due to high direct flight prices [8] - In efforts to attract more transit passengers, Incheon International Airport offers free transit lounges and city tours, while Korean Air has upgraded its airport lounges and in-flight meals [8]

Core Viewpoint - The implementation of a visa-free policy for Russian passport holders by China is expected to enhance bilateral trade and tourism, with the first flight arriving in Wuhan on September 15, 2023, carrying 126 Russian passengers who benefited from this new policy [1][4]. Group 1: Visa-Free Policy Implementation - The visa-free policy for Russian passport holders allows entry into China for business, tourism, family visits, and transit for up to 30 days without a visa [4]. - The policy is part of a broader initiative to expand the list of countries eligible for visa-free entry, effective from September 15, 2025, to September 14, 2026 [4]. Group 2: Flight Operations - The direct flight route between Wuhan and Moscow has resumed after a five-year hiatus, with flights operated by an Airbus A350-900, scheduled twice a week [4]. - The flight CZ8004 departs Wuhan at 15:10 Beijing time and arrives in Moscow at 19:15 local time, with a return flight leaving Moscow at 21:15 local time and arriving back in Wuhan at 10:30 the next day [4]. Group 3: Increased Passenger Flow - Wuhan Tianhe International Airport has seen a significant increase in inbound and outbound passenger traffic, surpassing one million travelers this year, making it the first inland port in Central China to reach this milestone [5]. - As of September 15, 2023, approximately 81,000 foreign travelers from over 170 countries have entered through Tianhe Airport, with 43,000 benefiting from the visa-free policy, marking a nearly threefold increase year-on-year [5]. Group 4: Border Control Enhancements - The Wuhan border inspection station has implemented measures to improve the passenger experience, including a real-time flow display system to optimize personnel deployment and inspection channels [5]. - A multilingual volunteer service team has been established to assist foreign travelers with policy inquiries and provide support, enhancing the convenience for foreign visitors to China [5].

Core Point - China has implemented a visa-free policy for Russian passport holders starting September 15, 2023, aimed at facilitating travel and business exchanges between the two countries [1] Group 1: Visa Policy Details - The visa-free policy will be in effect from September 15, 2025, to September 14, 2026 [1] - Russian passport holders can enter China for business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, or transit for up to 30 days without a visa [1]

当日，首位抵达昆明机场口岸的俄罗斯旅客Sherstnev Sergei乘坐MU9614航班由曼谷飞抵昆明，在办理 入境手续时用时仅约2分钟。高效便捷的通关流程让他连连称赞，"太棒了！没想到能成为第一批受益 者，30天的停留时间足够我深入感受中国。"随后，又有数位俄罗斯旅客陆续抵达，均享受免签政策带 来的便利。 根据政策规定，2025年9月15日至2026年9月14日期间，俄罗斯持普通护照人员来华经商、旅游观光、探 亲访友、交流访问或过境不超过30天可免办签证。 为保障政策顺利实施，昆明出入境边防检查站提前制定方案、开展多语种培训、强化现场引导，并协同 机场、联检单位及航司动态掌握客流，确保口岸通关高效顺畅。 中新网昆明9月15日电 (陈志蓉 李康)"免签政策太方便了！"15日零时起，对俄罗斯持普通护照来华人员 试行30天免签政策正式生效。当天凌晨，昆明长水国际机场陆续迎来多位享受该政策的俄罗斯旅客，标 志着这一便利中俄人员往来的新政在昆明机场口岸顺利落地。 俄罗斯旅客在昆明机场口岸办理入境手续。毕琦媛 摄 ...

来源：中国新闻网 编辑：王永乐 深圳机场迎来享受试行免签政策便利的首位俄罗斯旅客 中新网深圳9月15日电 (索有为 曾辉)9月15日12时12分，一架由迪拜飞来的国际航班顺利抵达深圳宝安 国际机场。旅客Bakytzhan Adylbekov(巴克特然·阿德尔别科夫)在边检民警的服务下，顺利免签入境，成 为深圳机场口岸首位享受该政策便利的俄罗斯人员。 为进一步便利中外人员往来，自2025年9月15日至2026年9月14日，中国对俄罗斯持普通护照人员试行免 签政策。俄罗斯持普通护照人员来华经商、旅游观光、探亲访友、交流访问、过境不超过30天，可免办 签证入境。 "这是我第二次来到中国。有了免签政策，来这里非常方便。对我们俄罗斯人来说，通关更快了。这次 我打算去深圳和云南，到不同的旅游景点，计划在中国待14天。"俄罗斯旅客Bakytzhan Adylbekov(巴克 特然·阿德尔别科夫)说道。 据深圳边检总站统计，今年以来，超3.5万人次俄罗斯人员经深圳机场口岸出入境和过境，同比增长 10.2%。 目前，深圳机场已开通深圳直飞莫斯科航线。还有许多俄罗斯旅客经中东、东南亚国家中转来深。边检 机关预计免签政策试行后，将 ...

Group 1 - The number of foreign travelers entering Shanghai has increased by over 42.2% year-on-year, totaling 3.644 million as of now [1] - Among the foreign travelers, 1.957 million utilized the visa exemption policy, accounting for 53.7% of the total [1] - The number of Russian travelers entering Shanghai has seen a significant increase of over 56%, reaching 196,000 in the first eight months of the year [1] Group 2 - The trial visa exemption policy for Russian passport holders began on September 15, allowing them to enter China for business, tourism, and family visits without a visa for up to 30 days [2] - This policy is expected to facilitate more spontaneous travel for Russian tourists and enhance business activities between China and Russia [2] - Travelers have reported a smooth entry experience, with border control staff providing assistance in Russian, indicating a positive reception of the new policy [3]

Core Points - China has decided to expand its visa-free policy to include Russian passport holders from September 15, 2025, to September 14, 2026, allowing them to enter China for business, tourism, and other purposes without a visa for up to 30 days [3][5] - The implementation of this policy is expected to significantly enhance the flow of Russian travelers to China, facilitating easier travel and business arrangements [5][6] - The number of Russian visitors to China has surged, with 196,000 Russian travelers entering through Shanghai in the first eight months of this year, marking a 56% increase compared to the same period last year [6] Summary by Sections Visa Policy - The new visa-free policy for Russian passport holders aims to simplify travel for business and tourism, eliminating the need for entry declaration materials [3][5] - This initiative is part of broader efforts to strengthen Sino-Russian relations and promote people-to-people exchanges [5] Impact on Travel and Business - The policy is expected to accelerate the influx of Russian tourists and business travelers, allowing for more flexible planning and reduced travel costs [5] - Travelers have reported a smoother entry experience at Shanghai's airport, with border control staff providing assistance in Russian [5][6] Statistics and Implementation - In the first eight months of 2023, 196,000 Russian travelers were processed at Shanghai's border, with over 189,000 entering for tourism and business purposes [6] - Shanghai's border control has implemented innovative measures to ensure efficient processing of foreign travelers, including a new entry card reporting system and enhanced training for airline staff [6]