How China's 144-Hour Visa-Free Policy is Sparking a Surge in Foreign Tourism

Over the past few months, China’s major tourist destinations have seen a growing influx of foreign visitors. From bustling cities to remote villages, tourists from all over the world can be spotted taking selfies, standing in long lines to taste Chinese street food, or documenting their travels for social media.

The surge of foreign tourists in China can largely be attributed to the country’s 144-hour visa-free transit policy. Since November last year, China has expanded this policy to cover 54 countries, allowing travelers from these nations to stay in China for up to six days without a visa.

As a result, the rise of "China Travel" hashtags, such as "144-Hour Extreme China Tour," has taken over global social media platforms, drawing even more tourists eager to experience what China has to offer.

144-Hour Visa-Free Policy: A New Trend in Global Tourism

With the increasing convenience of China’s visa policies, it’s no surprise that more and more foreign tourists are choosing to visit the country. According to China’s National Immigration Administration, the first quarter of 2024 saw 13 million foreign entries and exits, a 305.2% increase year-on-year, and 92.46% of pre-pandemic levels.

However, unlike in the past, these foreign tourists are not only visiting China but also actively sharing their experiences on Chinese social media platforms. On apps like Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book), many foreign tourists post about their travels, documenting every step of their journey.

Jurian, a traveler from the Netherlands, shared with Jingzhe Research that he and his girlfriend quickly planned a 16-day trip to China after learning about the visa-free policy. “The visa-free policy made our China travel plans so convenient,” he said.

Junny, a South Korean living in the UK, had always wanted to visit China but struggled to find time to prepare the necessary visa and travel documents. When he discovered the 144-hour visa-free policy, he finally decided to embark on his long-awaited trip.

Junny described his journey as effortless: upon arrival, he simply filled out a temporary entry card and presented his onward flight ticket. During his six-day trip, he explored Shanghai and Hangzhou, enjoyed the local cuisine, and shared his experiences on social media. "144 hours is not enough," he admitted. "Next time, I’ll get a full tourist visa and stay longer."

The Rise of Foreign Travel Bloggers in China

Foreign travel bloggers have also contributed to the growing buzz around "China Travel." Their immersive travel vlogs and social media posts often carry captions like "unexpected" and "never imagined," emphasizing how their real-life experiences in China shattered preconceived notions.

Many foreign travelers had previously believed that China’s massive population and dense cities would make travel uncomfortable or that payment systems would be inaccessible to tourists. However, once they arrived, they discovered that China’s modern infrastructure, advanced mobile payment systems, and efficient public transport made their trips much easier than expected.

Safety is another frequently mentioned highlight. Jason, a foreign blogger, posted a video on Douyin titled "How Safe is China at Night?" which received over 835,000 likes. In the comments section, one user joked, "The only danger is to your wallet and your stomach!"

These positive travel experiences have created a ripple effect, inspiring more foreigners to embark on their own China adventures. The "China Travel" trend is not just about the visa-free policy—it’s also about the authentic experiences that foreign tourists are eager to share.

The Economic Impact: A Boost for China’s Tourism Industry

The influx of foreign tourists has provided a significant boost to China’s tourism industry. According to data from Ctrip, orders for inbound travel to mainland China from countries like France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Malaysia have skyrocketed by 341% this year. Malaysia saw the largest growth, with a 485% increase in inbound orders, followed by Germany at 223% and France at 273%.

In Beijing, popular attractions like the Great Wall and the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an are now packed with foreign tourists eager to explore China’s rich history. The Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism reported that 469,000 foreign tourists visited the city in the first quarter of 2024, a 310% increase compared to last year.

Fafa, a foreign language tour guide based in Beijing, shared that the visa-free policy has significantly increased the number of foreign tourists visiting China. "On some flights to Beijing and Shanghai, there are even more foreigners than Chinese passengers," she said. “I often lead tours for nine foreign tourists a day, and recently I’ve been fully booked almost every week.”

Fafa also emphasized the importance of providing excellent service to foreign tourists. This includes explaining cultural and historical contexts, offering practical guidance on using local transportation, and recommending food options. “The language barrier can be challenging,” she said, "so guides need to adjust their explanations according to the tourists’ understanding."

Foreign tourists are especially interested in unique cultural experiences, such as learning about traditional festivals like Dragon Boat Festival or visiting local homes. Fafa mentioned that some of her clients even participated in hands-on cultural activities like making dumplings or zongzi, a traditional Chinese snack.

Addressing Payment Issues and Enhancing the Tourist Experience

Despite the many conveniences China offers, some foreign tourists struggle with China’s mobile payment systems, which typically require a Chinese ID for verification. Jurian mentioned that while he was able to use Alipay for public transport, he couldn’t fully access all payment features.

However, cities like Beijing and Shanghai are working to address these issues. Many major merchants now accept foreign bank cards, and Alipay has launched an "International Edition," allowing tourists to use the platform for payments.

Improving the overall travel experience for foreign visitors is crucial to ensuring the sustainable growth of China’s tourism industry. Simplifying visa processes, offering multi-language services, and providing personalized travel experiences are just some of the ways China is attracting more inbound travelers.

A New Chapter for China’s Tourism Industry

As the 144-hour visa-free policy continues to attract foreign tourists, China’s tourism industry is poised for a significant revival. This new wave of inbound travel is not only boosting the economy but also promoting cultural exchange. For many foreigners, visiting China is more than just a vacation—it’s an opportunity to experience a different culture firsthand.

Looking forward, China’s tourism industry has the potential to evolve in exciting ways. As major cities like Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou remain top destinations, smaller cities and rural areas are beginning to attract international attention. For example, Guangxi and Yunnan have launched initiatives to promote their unique cultural and historical sites to international tourists.

As more foreign visitors flock to China, the country’s tourism industry will need to keep pace by innovating and offering high-quality services. This resurgence of inbound travel marks the beginning of a new chapter for China’s tourism industry, showcasing the nation’s beauty and cultural richness to the world.

In the long term, the 144-hour visa-free policy not only strengthens China’s position as a global