China announced at the beginning of this year that holders of Canadian passports can now visit the country without a visa for up to thirty days. This measure is aimed at strengthening cooperation and developing intercultural exchange between the two states.
Preliminary data indicates that this policy is already contributing to an increase in tourist travel. Nina De Vries from CGTN prepared a report on the situation in Toronto.
As temperatures rise in the Northern Hemisphere, more international travelers are heading to China in search of cooler destinations. This is turning summer tourism into a new driver for inbound tourism and consumption in the country.
Despite the popularity of traditional tourist spots, scenic regions in China with moderate climates have become sought after among foreign visitors looking to escape the heat. For example, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, located in Hunan Province in central China, is known for its impressive sandstone mountains, dense forests, and pleasant summer climate.
Belgian tourist Maria shared in an interview with China Media Group that the streams in the valleys and the refreshing mountain scenery make Zhangjiajie an ideal place for a summer getaway. She also noted the cleanliness of the surroundings and the warm reception from local residents. Thanks to China's 24-hour visa-free transit policy, Zhangjiajie has become an important gateway for visitors to Hunan, attracting guests from Europe, Southeast Asia, and other regions who come to enjoy the cool mountain air and stunning nature.
The city operates 13 passenger routes connecting eight countries and regions. Simplified entry procedures allow tourists to clear customs in about 30 minutes and head straight to the attractions.
Among all the attractions in Zhangjiajie, Tianmen Mountain is highly sought after, receiving about 15,000 visitors daily, with foreign tourists accounting for about 15%, which is 51.72% more than last year.
Changbai Mountain in Jilin Province in northeastern China has also become a summer favorite. Over the past decade, the average temperature here has remained below 22 degrees Celsius from June to August, offering guests a cool retreat amidst forests and mountains. During peak summer season, visitor numbers exceed 30,000 people daily, according to data from the Changbai Mountain Protection and Development Administration of Jilin.
In addition to natural beauty, international guests are impressed by the convenience and quality of daily services. High-speed rail connections between Changbai Mountain and Beijing allow arrival in the capital in just over four hours, making trips even more comfortable.
Beyond the landscapes, Chinese consumer goods are also becoming part of the summer trip for foreigners. Jocelyn from France made Huacangbei electronics market in Shenzhen her first stop after arriving, where she purchased a portable mist fan after researching products online.
Huacangbei, previously known mainly as an electronics hub, has transformed into a popular destination for foreign visitors and a trending location on social media. Local vendors offer cooling products, such as mist fans and cooling towels, adapted for various markets.
Foreign buyers are also seen browsing the storefronts of popular Chinese brands in Shanghai. Some tourists bring photos saved from social media, hoping to find the items they saw. Colombian tourist Cleo showed a store employee a photo of a bag she wanted to buy after discovering the brand on social media. Although the item was sold out, staff helped locate it in another warehouse and arranged delivery to her next destination—Beijing.
Thanks to more convenient payment services and an expanded tax refund policy, travel in China is gaining popularity among foreign guests, stimulating the development of the hotel, restaurant, and retail industries. Tourists are also trying traditional archery at a rural tourist spot in Panzian Village, Jiangxi Province, in eastern China.
Tour operators note that foreign travelers are moving beyond simple accommodation and sightseeing, aiming for deep immersion in local culinary traditions and cultural events, which opens up new opportunities for the tourism and consumption sectors.
According to data from the Ministry of Public Security, in the first half of the year, China welcomed 22.91 million foreign arrivals, a 20.4% increase compared to the previous year. Of these, 17.82 million trips were made by travelers entering under the visa-free regime, representing a 30.6% increase compared to the previous year.
