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]