The China Story
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Currently, 41 exit-entry ports in 19 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the Central Government of China have implemented the 72-hour or 144-hour visa-free transit policy for citizens from 54 countries.
China has implemented a 24-hour visa-free transit policy for citizens of all other countries around the world at all its accessible exit-entry ports.
Last month, senior tour operator Iain Bell traveled from the United Kingdom to China at the invitation of Beijing tourism authorities to sample the capital city's cultural and historical charms.
Both countries optimistic for more inbound travelers on back of bilateral cooperation, face-to-face exchanges, Yang Feiyue reports.
Since China announced a variety of policies and plans including offering visa-free travel for citizens of a dozen or so countries and increasing international flights to attract more foreign tourists to the country, there has been clear evidence that the measures are bearing fruit. While it is true that the huge number of domestic tourists is the more exciting and dramatic story, the number of inbound foreign tourists, too, is increasing. With China Tourism Day to be observed on May 19, let's analyze some of the trends and good news.
China on Wednesday enforced a policy allowing visa-free entry of foreign tourist groups aboard cruise ships via all cruise ship ports along the country's coastline.
Since earlier this year, China has implemented a visa-free policy that exempts many European ordinary passport holders from the time-consuming and costly obligation, encouraging travelers from nearly a dozen European countries to explore this Asian country.
