Core Insights - The inbound tourism in China has seen a significant increase, with foreign visitors reaching 51.268 million in the first eight months of the year, marking a 27.8% year-on-year growth [1] - The Chinese government is implementing policies to enhance service consumption and facilitate inbound tourism, including optimizing visa policies and improving services for foreign visitors [1] Group 1: Inbound Tourism Growth - In the first eight months of this year, the number of foreign visitors entering and exiting China reached 51.268 million, a year-on-year increase of 27.8% [1] - During the recent National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday, the average daily inbound and outbound travelers exceeded 2 million, indicating a robust recovery in the inbound tourism market [1] Group 2: Payment Experience for Foreign Tourists - The payment experience for foreign tourists has improved significantly, with a 60% year-on-year increase in daily visits to mini-programs related to inbound tourism on WeChat during the first five days of the holiday [3] - Alipay's new "tap-to-pay" feature saw a 500% increase in consumption during the recent holiday, addressing the payment preferences of many foreign tourists [4] Group 3: Tax Refund and Consumer Guidance - Shenzhen has made significant advancements in the tax refund process for foreign tourists, with sales of tax refund goods reaching 740 million yuan, a 189% increase year-on-year [7] - The city has introduced a one-stop service center for foreign tourists, providing essential information on shopping districts and tax refund points, enhancing the overall travel experience [6] Group 4: International Visa Policies - As of September 15, China has implemented unilateral visa exemptions for 47 countries and mutual visa exemptions with 29 countries, expanding the reach of transit visa exemptions to 55 countries [10] - The number of entry ports has increased to 60, facilitating easier access for foreign tourists [10] Group 5: Adapting to Foreign Tourists - The Huaqiangbei electronics market has seen a notable increase in foreign customers, with daily foot traffic reaching 750,000, a 50% year-on-year increase, and over 7,000 foreign visitors [12] - Merchants in Huaqiangbei are adapting to foreign tourists by providing bilingual services and employing staff who can communicate in English and Cantonese [11]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the significant growth in inbound tourism to China, driven by favorable policies and improved services for foreign visitors, indicating a robust recovery and potential for economic growth in the tourism sector [1][2]. Group 1: Inbound Tourism Growth - In the first eight months of this year, the number of foreign entries and exits reached 51.268 million, a year-on-year increase of 27.8% [2]. - During the recent National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday, the average daily number of inbound and outbound travelers exceeded 2 million, showcasing the vibrant recovery of the inbound tourism market [2]. Group 2: Policy and Service Improvements - The Ministry of Commerce and nine other departments have issued policies to enhance service consumption, including optimizing visa-free policies and improving communication, accommodation, and payment services for foreigners [2]. - The expansion of visa-free policies now covers 47 countries, with comprehensive mutual visa exemption agreements with 29 countries, facilitating easier access for international tourists [10]. Group 3: Payment Solutions - The article discusses the advancements in mobile payment solutions, with a notable increase in foreign tourists utilizing WeChat Pay, which saw a more than 60% year-on-year growth in usage during the holiday period [4]. - Alipay's new "tap-to-pay" feature has also gained traction, with a reported 500% increase in usage among foreign tourists during the same holiday [5]. Group 4: Tax Refund and Shopping Experience - Shenzhen has implemented innovative measures in the tax refund process, achieving a sales volume of 740 million yuan in tax refund goods from January to August 2025, a year-on-year increase of 189% [8]. - The city has also introduced a "one order, one package, one code" model for tax refunds, covering 1,640 stores, enhancing the shopping experience for foreign visitors [8]. Group 5: Local Business Adaptation - Local businesses, particularly in areas like Huaqiangbei, are adapting to the influx of foreign tourists by providing bilingual services and tailored shopping experiences, with daily foot traffic reaching 750,000, a 50% increase year-on-year [12]. - The presence of foreign customers in Huaqiangbei has notably increased, with many seeking unique products not available in their home countries [10][11].