Core Viewpoint - In 2025, China is expanding its visa-free travel options, leading to a surge in international tourism and a shift in global perceptions of China as a vibrant and appealing destination [1][25]. Group 1: Visa-Free Travel and Tourism Growth - The expansion of visa-free countries is significantly boosting international tourism to China, with a notable increase in visitors from various regions [1][25]. - The influx of foreign influencers and tourists is reshaping the image of China, showcasing its safety, modernity, and cultural richness [3][25]. - Data from Ctrip indicates that the number of inbound tourists to China has more than doubled year-on-year in 2025, highlighting a remarkable recovery in the tourism sector [27]. Group 2: Cultural Engagement and Experience - Foreign tourists are increasingly interested in immersive cultural experiences, moving beyond traditional sightseeing to engage with local customs and cuisine [10][19]. - The popularity of Hanfu (traditional Chinese clothing) among international visitors is indicative of a growing appreciation for Chinese culture, with nearly 300,000 related videos on TikTok by mid-2025 [8][10]. - The integration of technology, such as VR and AR, in cultural sites enhances the visitor experience, making historical interactions more engaging and interactive [13][15]. Group 3: Economic Impact and Consumer Behavior - The convenience of payment systems like Alipay and WeChat Pay has made shopping and travel more accessible for foreign tourists, contributing to increased spending in hotels and retail [18][19]. - The introduction of favorable tax policies for international visitors has further stimulated shopping, leading to a significant rise in consumer spending [19]. - The rise of themed tourism, such as golf tourism among South Korean visitors, reflects the diverse interests of international travelers and the economic benefits of the visa-free policy [21]. Group 4: Global Perception and Image Transformation - The portrayal of China by foreign influencers is helping to counter negative stereotypes, presenting a more nuanced and positive image of the country [5][25]. - Reports indicate that China's adjustments to its visa policies are not only aimed at boosting tourism but also at enhancing its global image amid geopolitical tensions [25]. - Surveys show a significant improvement in China's cultural and technological appeal on the global stage, driven by authentic experiences shared by international visitors [25].

Core Insights - The relaxation of visa policies, enhanced smart customs clearance, and optimized tax refund processes have significantly boosted the popularity of "China tours" among foreign tourists this year [1] Group 1: Black River, Heilongjiang - The implementation of a visa-free policy for Russian passport holders since September 15 has led to over 80% of hotel guests being Russian tourists, with services tailored to their needs [2] - The average customs clearance time has been reduced to 7 seconds, with a significant increase in cross-border traffic, showing an 82.7% year-on-year growth in foreign visitors [3] - Local initiatives include the development of a multilingual mobile app for tourists and training programs for service staff to improve communication with Russian visitors [3] Group 2: Guilin, Guangxi - Foreign tourists are increasingly seeking deeper cultural experiences rather than just sightseeing, as evidenced by their interest in local stories and traditions [4] - The Guilin tourism bureau has launched initiatives to enhance visitor engagement, including expanding airport capacity and promoting local culture through social media [5] - In the first half of 2025, Guilin is expected to receive 674,500 overnight foreign tourists, marking a 79.7% increase, with international tourism revenue projected to reach $263 million, up 82.4% [5] Group 3: Zhangjiajie, Hunan - The introduction of a visa-free policy for South Korean passport holders has led to a surge in travel bookings, with Zhangjiajie becoming a popular weekend destination [6] - Zhangjiajie has integrated cultural elements into its tourism offerings, enhancing its appeal through film-related attractions and targeted marketing strategies [6] - The number of inbound tourists to Zhangjiajie is projected to reach 1.83 million in 2024, with a focus on developing high-quality extreme sports and cultural events to attract younger visitors [7]

Core Insights - The primary focus during the "14th Five-Year Plan" period will be the development of inbound tourism in China, driven by demand-side policy initiatives such as visa exemptions and enhanced payment convenience [1][2] - By 2025, inbound tourism is expected to exhibit three main characteristics: the positive effects of unilateral visa exemptions, the widespread implementation of a 240-hour transit visa exemption policy, and significant growth in the individual traveler market [1][2] Demand-Side Insights - Different markets have varying demands for visa exemptions, necessitating a detailed approach to categorizing exempt countries and tourist groups [1] - A whitelist system should be established to expand the visa exemption range, allowing tourists with a clean record of visits to China in the past five years to qualify for multiple visa exemptions [1] - An intelligent visa review system is recommended to enhance the efficiency of visa exemption approvals [1] Supply-Side Insights - Accelerating the development of world-class tourist cities is essential for supporting inbound tourism, emphasizing the importance of urban infrastructure alongside scenic area development [2] - The potential of study tourism as a significant segment of the inbound market should be explored, with a focus on building a comprehensive inbound study tourism system [2] - A complete inbound tourism industry chain should be established, including a national tourism promotion agency to market Chinese tourism products and culture globally [2] Market Trends - The inbound tourism market is currently in a rapid recovery phase, with notable growth in specific markets such as Italy and Spanish-speaking countries [4] - Free independent travel is becoming the dominant mode of travel for inbound tourists, driven by improved visa policies and transportation convenience [5] - There is a growing demand for differentiated dining and travel experiences among inbound tourists, particularly those traveling with children [6] Innovative Experiences - Inbound tourists are increasingly favoring immersive and customized experiences over traditional sightseeing [10] - The integration of technology and culture in tourism experiences is gaining traction, with strong interest from foreign visitors in innovative offerings [8] - Traditional dining experiences, such as those offered by time-honored brands, are becoming key avenues for foreign tourists to engage with Chinese culture [14]

Core Insights - The recent holiday period saw a significant increase in Chinese tourists visiting South Korea, contributing to the recovery of the tourism market between the two countries [1][2][3] - The implementation of visa-free policies for group tourists is expected to further boost travel demand, with projections indicating that around 1 million Chinese tourists could visit South Korea during the policy period [2][3] - The overall tourism landscape is shifting towards experience-based consumption rather than shopping, with new projects being developed to attract tourists [11][12] Group 1: Tourism Demand and Trends - During the recent National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival, Myeongdong in Seoul was crowded with Chinese tourists, indicating a strong recovery in tourism [2] - Online travel platform Ctrip reported a 357% year-on-year increase in group travel bookings to South Korea following the announcement of the visa-free policy [2] - The number of Chinese tourists entering South Korea in September reached 525,000, marking a 16.4% increase year-on-year, with expectations for further growth in the autumn and winter seasons [3] Group 2: Economic Impact - The Bank of Korea estimates that an increase of 1 million Chinese group tourists could boost South Korea's GDP by 0.08 percentage points [2] - The tourism and retail sectors in South Korea are expected to see sustained growth in the second half of the year due to the visa-free measures [5] - The recovery of air routes between China and South Korea is anticipated to support the upcoming tourism peak, with a reported 24.4% increase in passengers on these routes in the first half of the year [5] Group 3: Visitor Profiles and Preferences - Ctrip's analysis indicates that the majority of Chinese tourists interested in South Korea are young, with 33% being post-90s and 27% post-80s [5] - Popular destinations among Chinese tourists include Seoul, Jeju, and Busan, with a focus on deep experiences and personalized services [5] - The demand for cultural experiences and local interactions is rising, with a shift towards exploring Korean daily life rather than just shopping [11][12] Group 4: Strategic Developments - South Korean companies are collaborating with Chinese travel agencies to develop new tourism products, such as K-POP experiences and health tourism [11] - The Korean government is enhancing digital tourism services and improving payment options to facilitate Chinese tourist spending [11] - Recommendations for improving the tourism experience include optimizing entry processes and providing multilingual services to cater to Chinese visitors [9][12]

Core Viewpoint - China has expanded its visa-free and transit visa-free countries to 47 and 55 respectively, enhancing the convenience of entry for foreign tourists and promoting tourism growth [1][4]. Group 1: Visa Policies and Entry Convenience - The simplification of visa application procedures and the implementation of "one-stop" entry services have significantly improved the travel experience for foreign visitors [1][5]. - As of July 30, 2023, the number of foreign travelers entering and exiting Beijing reached 3.285 million, accounting for 27.3% of total entry-exit personnel, with a year-on-year increase of 37.7% [2]. - The transit visa-free stay in China has been extended to 240 hours, allowing travelers to explore specific regions, which has been positively received by foreign tourists [2][5]. Group 2: Enhanced Tourist Experience - The average customs clearance time at Zhangjiajie Airport has been reduced from 30 minutes to under 20 minutes due to the implementation of pre-inspection for checked luggage [3]. - Various regions are improving services for foreign tourists, such as the introduction of a "foreign integration service platform" at the Terracotta Army Museum, which supports real-time multi-currency transactions for ticket purchases [5]. - The "immediate refund" tax refund policy has been expanded nationwide, enhancing the shopping experience for foreign visitors [6]. Group 3: Cultural Exchange and International Relations - The visa-free policies are seen as a significant step in promoting cultural exchange and encouraging more foreigners to visit and understand China [8]. - Local governments are actively working to eliminate barriers for foreign visitors, providing comprehensive service guides and support for various needs [7]. - The international services, including bilingual guides and 24-hour hotlines, are making it easier for international tourists to visit China multiple times [8].