Core Points - China is continuously optimizing its entry policies, expanding the number of visa-free countries to 47 and the number of countries eligible for the 240-hour transit visa exemption to 55, enhancing tourism and cultural exchanges with neighboring countries [1] - The number of foreign tourists entering China in the first quarter reached 7.3674 million, a year-on-year increase of 39.2%, with significant growth during the "May Day" holiday and the Dragon Boat Festival [1] - China is becoming a preferred destination for outbound tourism from several countries, with a notable increase in demand from Russian tourists, whose interest in visiting China has surged by 1000% [3] Group 1: Tourism Growth - The number of foreign tourists entering China during the "May Day" holiday was 1.115 million, a 43.1% increase compared to last year [1] - During the Dragon Boat Festival, 231,000 foreign visitors entered China under the visa exemption policy, marking a 59.4% increase [1] - The Asia-Pacific region is expected to see international tourist numbers rise from 648 million in 2024 to 813.7 million by 2027, with China projected to be the largest inbound destination [3] Group 2: Infrastructure and Policy Support - The introduction of the "ASEAN Visa" aims to facilitate travel and trade cooperation among ASEAN countries and reflects China's commitment to maintaining openness and promoting global cooperation [5][6] - The China-Laos Railway enhances connectivity and tourism between China and Laos, linking over 560 tourist attractions and making cross-border travel more affordable and convenient [6] - Various Chinese cities are improving tourism services, such as lowering the threshold for tax refunds for departing tourists and launching new themed travel routes [8] Group 3: Cultural Exchange and Economic Impact - Tourism is not only boosting economic exchanges but also building friendly bridges between nations, as highlighted by the Thai Prime Minister regarding the cultural ties between Thailand and China [9] - The mutual visa exemption between Kazakhstan and China has led to a significant increase in tourist numbers, with over 650,000 Chinese tourists expected to visit Kazakhstan in 2024 [9] - The growing popularity of "China tours" and "China shopping" signifies a new image of China as open and innovative to the world [9]

Core Viewpoint - Beijing has launched the "Special Action Plan for Optimizing Inbound Tourism Services," introducing 22 measures to enhance the integration of culture, commerce, and tourism, while creating distinctive consumption scenarios for visitors [1] Group 1: Measures and Initiatives - The plan includes the cultivation of a series of brand activities that deeply integrate cultural, commercial, and tourism elements [1] - A focus on developing new inbound tourism routes that highlight Beijing's unique characteristics has been emphasized [1] - The initiative aims to enrich cultural and tourism consumption scenarios through various themed activities [1] Group 2: Themed Tourism Routes - The "Beijing New Discoveries" inbound tourism program features ten themed routes, including "Central Axis New Charm: Local Flavor Journey," "Ancient Path Exploration: Intangible Cultural Heritage Experience," and "Stargazing Hiking Journey" [1] - These tourism products will be available for sale at the "Beijing Service" cultural tourism area in airports and on select online platforms [1]