Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the article highlights a significant increase in inbound and outbound travel in China, with 333 million entries and exits recorded in the first half of the year, marking a 15.8% year-on-year increase [1][11] - The number of foreign visitors reached 38.05 million, reflecting a 30.2% increase compared to the previous year [11] - Visa-free entry for foreign visitors saw a remarkable rise, with 13.64 million entries, up 53.9% year-on-year, driven by expanded visa-free policies and tax refund incentives [12] Group 2 - The growth in foreign tourism is shifting from major cities and well-known attractions to third and fourth-tier cities, indicating a broader distribution of tourist activity [4] - Cultural experience products have emerged as a new highlight in inbound consumption, with bookings for immersive activities like intangible cultural heritage workshops and folk performances surging by 300% [4] - Popularity of traditional performances such as Sichuan opera and Peking opera has increased significantly, with bookings on overseas platforms rising nearly tenfold compared to last year [4] Group 3 - Major entry points like Beijing and Shanghai have seen substantial increases in foreign visitors, with Beijing recording over 2.9 million entries (up 36.5%) and Shanghai receiving 4.25 million tourists (up 38.5%) [6] - Hotel bookings for foreign tourists in key cities have also surged, with increases exceeding 130% in the first half of the year [6] - The appeal of "China tours" and "China shopping" is evolving towards deeper experiences in culture, ecology, and technology, with high-tech products in areas like Shenzhen gaining popularity among foreign visitors [8] Group 4 - The National Immigration Administration issued over 10.64 million ordinary passports and 4.75 million travel documents for residents of Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan in the first half of the year [14] - A total of 887,000 visa documents were issued to foreigners, indicating a robust framework for facilitating international travel [14]

Core Insights - The article highlights the significant increase in foreign tourist arrivals in China, driven by visa-free policies and tax refund initiatives, leading to a shift from traditional sightseeing to immersive cultural experiences [1][15]. Group 1: Tourist Trends - Foreign tourists are increasingly engaging in diverse experiences in China, moving beyond mere sightseeing to exploring local culture and traditions [9][17]. - The number of foreign tourists visiting Beijing's Xiushui Street has doubled compared to the same period last year, with sales expected to rise by over 80% [5]. - In Shenzhen's Huaqiangbei, the number of foreign visitors has increased by 50% year-on-year, with daily averages rising from 7,000 to 8,000 in June [7]. Group 2: Cultural Engagement - Tourists are showing a keen interest in cultural products, with a notable demand for traditional Chinese items such as tea cups and chopsticks [3][5]. - Cultural experience products have seen a 300% increase in bookings, with traditional crafts and performances gaining popularity among foreign visitors [15]. - Tourists are seeking deeper cultural understanding, as evidenced by their interest in local lifestyles and historical contexts during guided tours [13][17]. Group 3: Policy Impact - The expansion of visa-free policies and the enhancement of travel convenience have contributed to a substantial rise in foreign tourist numbers, with Beijing and Shanghai seeing increases of 36.5% and 38.5% respectively [17]. - The article emphasizes that these policy changes are making China an increasingly attractive destination for international travelers, showcasing a more vibrant and authentic image of the country [17].

Core Viewpoint - The core of intangible cultural heritage (ICH) transmission lies in cultural inheritance, which is its intrinsic value. The focus should be on preserving and promoting cultural connotations rather than merely pursuing economic benefits through commercialization [1][2][4]. Group 1: Current Trends in ICH Transmission - There is a noticeable trend of excessive commercialization in ICH transmission, leading to the reduction of ICH to mere consumer symbols. This trend often overlooks the cultural value behind these traditions [1][3]. - Some regions have turned ICH projects into "internet celebrity check-in points" or "fast-moving consumer products," simplifying traditional skills into assembly line-style handcrafts, which diminishes the understanding of the historical and cultural significance behind these crafts [1][2]. - The focus on consumer-driven transmission can yield short-term economic benefits but ultimately erodes the cultural foundation of ICH, reducing it to hollow commercial gimmicks [1][4]. Group 2: Importance of Cultural Inheritance - Each ICH item carries specific cultural genes of a region or ethnicity, embodying the wisdom and spirit of ancestors. For instance, traditional opera forms like Peking Opera and Kunqu not only represent artistic expressions but also encapsulate traditional Chinese cultural values [2][3]. - Institutions like the Palace Museum are effectively using exhibitions, academic lectures, and documentaries to convey the stories behind ICH projects, enhancing public recognition and pride in traditional culture [2][3]. Group 3: Collaborative Efforts for ICH Transmission - Various organizations should take the lead in supporting ICH protection and transmission through policy support and funding, encouraging academic research and cultural exchange [3][4]. - ICH inheritors need to maintain cultural integrity while innovating transmission methods, utilizing new media platforms to showcase the production processes and cultural meanings of ICH [3][4]. - Society at large should engage in ICH cultural transmission through volunteer services and public awareness campaigns, with educational institutions and businesses playing a role in promoting ICH [3][4].