【Text by Observers Network, Wang Yong, Editor: Zhao Qiankun】
On July 16, the Agreement between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan on the Exemption of Visas for Holders of Ordinary Passports has officially come into effect.
On April 23 this year, China and Azerbaijan signed 20 cooperation documents, including the visa exemption agreement between the two countries. The joint statement released that day, "The People's Republic of China and the Republic of Azerbaijan on the Establishment of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership," pointed out that both sides are willing to further promote the facilitation of people-to-people exchanges and promote cooperation and exchange in all fields of the two countries.
As of July 11, the number of countries that China unilaterally grants visa-free entry and transit visa-free entry has been expanded to 47 and 55 respectively. A spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry stated that China continues to simplify the visa application procedures, implements "one-stop" entry services and "instant refund" for departure tax refunds, making "China travel" more smooth and seamless for foreign travelers.
Foreign tourists visiting a scenic spot in Beijing, China Daily
Europe News reports that China is opening its arms to welcome global tourists, including those from Europe, with visa-free policies covering most European countries such as France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Switzerland, which will further promote the development of China's tourism industry.
The report mentioned that although domestic tourists still dominate at various tourist attractions across China during the summer, some travel agencies have already been overwhelmed with international tour group orders, and relevant staff have been "overwhelmed with orders." A travel agency representative said that the proportion of European customers recently received has risen from 5% to 15-20%. In addition, to meet market demand, some institutions have started English guide training programs to better serve the growing number of European travelers.
The visa policy of China has shown immediate effects. According to official Chinese data, Shanghai received 4.248 million inbound tourists from January to June 2025, an increase of 38.5% compared to the same period last year. As of June 30, 1.49 million foreigners entered through Beijing port, among whom over 840,000 foreigners who entered under the visa-free policy and the 240-hour temporary entry permit were twice the number of the same period last year; from July 1 to July 10, the number of people entering and leaving through Beijing port reached 640,000.
According to Associated Press, China's visa policy is unprecedented, attracting a large number of foreign tourists to travel. Shavazde, who is currently living in Austria from Georgia, said while visiting the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, "It's really more convenient now, applying for a visa was too troublesome." A Norwegian tourist traveling to Beijing said that the visa-free policy saved families with children from the complicated visa application process.
Travel and Tourism World, an international tourism media, reported that China's visa-free policy is reshaping the global tourism landscape. With continuous optimization of entry policies and shopping environments, more and more foreign tourists choose to travel to China. China not only has magnificent natural landscapes and profound historical and cultural heritage, but also diverse foreign currency payment methods and convenient departure tax refund services, making tourists' shopping experiences smoother. These measures make spontaneous travel possible, not only attracting many foreign tourists to visit, but also "weekend tours of China" have gradually become a new trend.
Currently, it is the summer season, and various places in China have carefully launched a series of cultural and tourism projects based on their own historical and cultural characteristics, providing foreign tourists with comprehensive and immersive tourism experiences. In Shanghai, from July to August, around summer vacation and family consumption, and from September to October, around cultural and tourism consumption and sports events, ten landmark activities including International Anime Month and Shanghai Tourism Festival Summer Travel Season have been launched, allowing foreign tourists to fully experience the diverse cultural charm of Shanghai.
Data shows that the ancient capital Xi'an and the bustling Chengdu have become popular destinations for foreign tourists during the summer. In the first nine days of the summer transport period, 13,000 foreign tourists entered through Chengdu airport, an increase of 61.4% compared to the previous year.
According to the statistics of Chengdu Border Inspection Station, from July 1, the start of the summer transport period, to July 9, the station checked a total of 160,000 people entering and leaving, and 1,200 flights, an increase of 17.8% and 15.8% respectively compared to the same period last year. With the continued implementation of a series of policies to facilitate foreign personnel coming to China, Chengdu aviation port helps global tourists enjoy the "China Journey".
As of July 9, the number of people entering and leaving through Xi'an port has exceeded 1 million, an increase of 64% compared to the same period in 2024. Since the summer transport period, the number of people entering and leaving through Xi'an port has exceeded 56,000, among which 26,000 were incoming, an increase of 46% and 44% respectively compared to the same period last year. Tourists from South Korea, Malaysia, and Russia are the main sources of foreign tourists in Xi'an, and with the continued expansion of the results of the China-Central Asia Summit, the number of travelers from Central Asia has also significantly increased compared to previous years.
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Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7527974747582366234/
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