Tourists from New Zealand practice tai chi in Shiyan, Hubei Province. Photo: Xi'an Zhongheng International Travel Agency

Recently, China announced the inclusion of New Zealand and Australia on the list of countries eligible for unilateral visa-free entry, attracting widespread attention. Due to the continuous expansion of China's visa-free entry under the 72/144-hour transit policy, more and more foreigners are traveling to China and sharing their experiences online. Chinese tourism industry professionals noted that they need to innovate their products and improve services to allow more international tourists to experience China's openness and vitality.

The announcement of China's unilateral visa-free policy for New Zealand and Australia made immediate splash in both countries. The offices of Xi'an ­Zhongheng International Travel Agency in these two countries received a surge in inquiries about traveling to China. Within half an hour of the announcement, searches for China-related keywords on the international edition of domestic online travel agency Trip.com saw a 65 percent increase among New Zealand tourists and an over 80 percent increase among Australian tourists. 

The policy's impact is significant with inbound travel orders showing substantial growth. Since the beginning of 2024, inbound travel orders from New Zealand have increased by nearly 60 percent year-on-year, ranking as the 15th largest source of inbound tourists to China. Australia is the 5th largest source country, with inbound travel orders increasing by 155 percent year-on-year and flights to China increasing by over 220 percent year-on-year.

A representative from the China Tourism Group said the unilateral visa-free policy would positively impact various areas such as individual travel, group tours, business trips and inspections, cultural exchanges and conferences and exhibitions. The demand to inspect China's tourism resources, products, and routes has also seen a notable increase.

Nearly 100 tourism professionals from Spain, France, Germany, New Zealand, and other countries have visited Chinese cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing, Xi'an, Chengdu and Wuhan to enjoy their natural scenery and experience their cultural ambiance.

Groups of tourism professionals from France and Spain visited Chongqing, Shaanxi, and Sichuan. In Chongqing Municipality, Southwest China, they toured sites like the Dazu Rock Carvings, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, the Peach Garden National Forest Park in Youyang county, Gongtan Ancient Town, and the Wulong Three Bridges (three magnificent natural stone arch bridges). They also tasted local delicacies, and experienced the unique charm of the city known for its rivers and mountains.

Tourists from New Zealand try electronic payment in Shanghai. Photo: Xi'an Zhongheng International Travel Agency

French travel business operator Iliana was amazed by the unique geological landscape of the Wulong Three Bridges. "You can see different landscapes in various parts of the scenic area, showcasing the pristine charm of nature."

German travel business operators visited Longjing village in Hangzhou, East China's Zhejiang Province. After taking photos in the tea fields, Verlek and his companions said, "We are deeply impressed by the scenery of Longjing tea fields." They talked with local tea farmers and learned about their generations of tea planting and rural construction stories. 

New Zealand travel business operators went to Wudang Mountain in Shiyan, Central China's Hubei Province, where the cable cars and trails made the tour experience easy and enjoyable. "Riding the cable cars between the peaks allows us to easily enjoy the mountaintop scenery, greatly enhancing the tour experience and fun," said Patrick. They also learned tai chi from Wudang Taoist masters in front of the Yuxu Palace on Wudang Mountain.

French and Spanish tourism groups also visited the Sichuan Opera Theatre in Chengdu, Southwest China's Sichuan Province to watch Sichuan Opera show, Furong National Essence. The performance included various Sichuan Opera elements such as balancing acts, rolling lanterns, and water sleeves, showcasing face-changing and fire-spitting skills. During the performance, the international audience applauded and cheered, recording the exciting moments with their phones. "Such an exciting and interesting performance is very touching," said French travel business operator François. 

They also visited landmarks like Dujiangyan, Bifengxia Panda Base, Sanxingdui Museum, and Du Fu Thatched Cottage Museum. Interacting with giant pandas, practicing tai chi on Qingcheng Mountain, and admiring the ancient craftsmanship spirit at Leshan Giant Buddha.

Tourists from Spain and France pose for photos with Sichuan Opera performers in Chengdu, Sichuan Province. Photo: Xi'an Zhongheng International Travel Agency

New Zealand travel business operator Alexander developed a keen interest in Chinese ancient architecture while visiting the Yellow Crane Tower in Wuhan, Central China's Hubei. "I highly recommend foreign tourists to visit the Yellow Crane Tower. The ancient architecture's features are highly appreciable. Climbing the Yellow Crane Tower allows me to overlook the cityscape of Wuhan and appreciate the beautiful poetry related to the tower. The travel experience in China is excellent," said Alesander.

They also visited the Hubei Provincial Museum to see precious cultural relics such as the bronze sword of Goujian and the Zenghouyi Chime Bells. Susan spoke highly of the museum tour: "Chinese museums are impressive, and every relic's design is captivating." 

New Zealand travel business operators toured attractions in East China's Shanghai like Yuyuan Garden, the Huangpu River, and Zhujiajiao Ancient Town. "The orderliness of Shanghai's scenic spots, despite the large number of tourists, made the visit very smooth," said Caroline after visiting Yuyuan Garden. They also enjoyed the hotels, transportation, scenic spot facilities, and electronic payment services.

Data shows that in the first quarter of 2024, visa-free inbound tourists to China from Singapore increased tenfold year-on-year. Malaysian tourists increased ninefold year-on-year, and French, Spanish, and Thai tourists all increased by about four times year-on-year. 

With beautiful natural scenery, rich cultural heritage, the expansion of visa-free policies, coupled with convenient modern services, China continues to attract tourists from around the world.

The Tiansheng Sanqiao (three natural bridges) scenic area in Wulong district of Chongqing Photo: VCG