A CGTN feature syndicated by Bernama on 28 July highlights how China’s 240-hour visa-free transit program is driving a surge in foreign visitors to lesser-known ‘cool’ destinations such as Liupanshui in Guizhou and Qinhuangdao in Hebei. Airline seat data show inbound bookings to China’s top 20 summer gateways up 275 percent year on year, with European travellers accounting for nearly 30 percent of arrivals. Liupanshui—nicknamed ‘China’s Cool City’ for its mild mountain climate—has launched more than 20 themed events, while Zhangjiajie National Park in Hunan reports that overseas tourists now make up half of daily visitors. Local authorities credit streamlined immigration checkpoints and passport-only admission to major attractions for the growth. The article notes that visa-free entry now covers nationals of 50 countries, while 55 countries are eligible for the 240-hour transit waiver through 65 ports of entry. With three-quarters of inbound travellers already arriving without visas, tourism boards expect record foreign attendance at August festivals. Companies planning incentive trips or client events should monitor hotel availability in secondary cities and confirm whether participants can combine multiple visa-free stays within a single itinerary. The boom also underscores opportunities for regional airports and carriers to open charter links to Europe and Southeast Asia.
Source: Bernama / CGTN
