Core Insights - The article highlights the increasing popularity of China as a travel destination for international tourists, particularly during the recent National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holidays, showcasing a shift in perception towards the country as a vibrant and modern place to visit [4][17]. Group 1: Tourist Experience - International tourists are experiencing a diverse range of activities in China, from traditional cultural experiences to modern conveniences like mobile payments, which have left a positive impression on visitors [6][7]. - The rise of social media platforms like TikTok has contributed to the popularity of "China Travel," with over 2.3 million posts under this tag, showcasing various experiences across the country [6][8]. Group 2: Policy Impact - China's implementation of visa-free policies for citizens from 47 countries has significantly boosted international tourist arrivals, with a 27.8% increase in foreign visitors in the first eight months of the year [8][11]. - The extension of transit visa-free periods from 72 hours to 240 hours has allowed tourists more time to explore, leading to a notable increase in arrivals from countries like Thailand, where visitor numbers surged over fourfold after the policy change [8][12]. Group 3: Emerging Destinations - There is a growing trend of international tourists exploring smaller cities and less conventional destinations in China, with ticket bookings for these areas increasing significantly compared to major cities [13][14]. - The focus is shifting from major urban centers to smaller cities known for their natural beauty and cultural heritage, with some cities seeing booking increases of over 500% [13][14]. Group 4: Cultural Engagement - Cultural experiences are becoming a core competitive advantage for attracting tourists, with many visitors engaging in local traditions and crafts, such as pottery in Jingdezhen [14][15]. - The combination of cultural immersion and modern conveniences is enhancing the overall travel experience, encouraging tourists to delve deeper into China's rich history and culture [15][17]. Group 5: Changing Perceptions - The article notes a shift in global perceptions of China, with tourists expressing surprise at the modernity and convenience of Chinese cities compared to their expectations [20]. - The increase in Russian tourists following the introduction of a visa-free policy is indicative of changing travel patterns, with projections suggesting a significant rise in Russian visitors to China in the coming years [19][20].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the increasing influx of foreign tourists to China, particularly during the recent National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holidays, showcasing a shift in global perceptions of China as a travel destination and the impact of new visa policies on tourism growth [2][3]. Group 1: Tourist Influx and Experience - Over 4.1 million foreign tourists visited Shanghai in the first eight months of 2025, with a significant increase in visitors from countries like South Korea and Japan [11]. - The introduction of a digital tourism consumption system in Shanghai aims to enhance the experience for foreign tourists, facilitating easier navigation and payment options [7][8]. - The number of foreign tourists entering China reached 51.27 million in the first eight months of 2025, marking a 27.8% year-on-year increase, with visa-free entries surging by 52.1% [8][11]. Group 2: Shift in Travel Preferences - Foreign tourists are increasingly exploring smaller cities and regions beyond major urban centers, with ticket bookings for 171 cities in China rising by 18 compared to the previous year [12][13]. - Notable increases in ticket bookings were observed for cities like Datong, with a 9-fold increase, and other regions such as Inner Mongolia and Tibet showing over 5-fold growth [13][14]. - The trend indicates a transition from "transit tourism" to "in-depth tourism," as visitors seek to engage more deeply with local cultures and experiences [16][19]. Group 3: Changing Global Perceptions - The upcoming implementation of a visa-free policy for Russian tourists is expected to significantly boost travel from Russia, with a projected increase of over 200,000 visitors by 2025 [21]. - Social media plays a crucial role in reshaping global perceptions of China, as tourists share their experiences, highlighting the modernity and convenience of Chinese cities [22]. - The article emphasizes that the experiences of foreign tourists in China are increasingly viewed as more modern and convenient compared to their experiences in Western countries [22].

Core Viewpoint - The "Meet China" self-service system for foreign tourists has been officially launched in Shanghai, aiming to enhance the travel consumption experience through digital solutions [1] Group 1: Project Overview - The "Meet China" project is the first of its kind in the country, specifically designed for foreign tourists [1] - The initiative is supported by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and various local government entities, showcasing a collaborative effort in promoting tourism [1] - The project aims to address the "last mile" service challenges in inbound tourism by providing a more intuitive and convenient payment experience [1] Group 2: Implementation Details - The system was launched at the Yuyuan Garden in Shanghai, marking it as the first operational site for this initiative [1] - The project is a collaboration between China Digital Culture Group, Shanghai Normal University, and UnionPay Business, indicating a strong partnership between public and private sectors [1] - The focus is on delivering a culturally rich and user-friendly payment experience for inbound tourists [1]

Core Insights - The launch of "Meet China" self-service system aims to enhance the travel experience for foreign tourists in China by addressing their four core consumption needs: "understand instantly, choose instantly, see instantly, and pay instantly" [1] Group 1: System Features - The system integrates product guidance, storytelling, multilingual interaction, and convenient payment via foreign bank cards, facilitating a seamless process from interest to purchase for foreign tourists [1] - The initial deployment in Shanghai will feature 500 digital screens at popular tourist spots, with a nationwide rollout plan to install 10,000 screens by the end of next year [1] Group 2: Initial Implementation - The first two screens at Shanghai's Yuyuan Garden focus on "What to Eat" and "What to Experience/Buy," offering tailored packages based on foreign tourists' preferences and dining habits [1] - The "What to Eat" screen includes offerings from four local restaurants, with detailed descriptions, multilingual translations, and ingredient information to cater to dietary needs [1] Group 3: Payment System - The payment system allows for easy transactions using foreign bank cards without the need for binding, scanning, or app downloads, supporting payments from over 120 countries [2] - Upon completing a payment, the system prints a verification receipt, which tourists can use to collect their purchases at designated stores displaying the "Meet China" label, creating a service loop of language-free guidance, cross-border payments, and in-store redemption [2]