Reference News Network, July 7 report - According to the website of Singapore's "The Straits Times" on July 5, Tang Wenhong, assistant minister of the Ministry of Commerce of China, stated at a policy briefing on July 4 that the Ministry of Commerce will work with localities and departments to support the free trade pilot zones to actively align with international high-standard economic and trade rules, and carry out trials of higher-level institutional opening-up.

The report said that he stated that the pilot areas will further actively expand the scope of alignment, and pilot a series of institutional innovation measures that are beneficial for the development of new industries and models, focusing on promoting service trade, green trade, and digital trade.

He also revealed that efforts will be increased in market access pressure testing, and the orderly expansion of openness in sectors such as telecommunications, the Internet, and healthcare will be promoted. Further convenience measures will be introduced for foreign personnel to come to China for business, study, and tourism, including entry and residence, medical care, and payments.

According to another report by the website of the U.S. "Washington Post" on July 5, from the historic hutongs in Beijing, to the glamorous shopping streets in Shanghai, and the cyberpunk-style futuristic scenes in Chongqing - China is welcoming a large number of tourists, many of whom are enthusiastic about filming videos and introducing this country, which is surprising to them.

The report said that Canadians Steve and Ivana enthusiastically told their audience that walking on the streets of Chinese cities is "impressive and feels different."

Americans Mike and Ashley said that they wish they had known how developed Chinese cities were before traveling, and expressed their amazement that "the media has given a negative and distorted report on China."

From South Africa, Craig and Shantal said they were shocked by China's "fashionable, efficient, clean, and punctual" trains.

The report said that the sharp increase in tourist numbers (and the large number of praises for China) is largely due to Beijing's significant relaxation of entry requirements over the past 20 months. This effort aims not only to increase the number of tourists but also to showcase a more interesting and advanced side of China amid escalating geopolitical tensions.

Positive reviews on TikTok and YouTube indicate that China's efforts to improve its image through tourism are beginning to bear fruit. According to official Chinese data, inbound tourists exceeded 130 million in 2024, with total spending of $94.2 billion, approaching the level of 2019.

The report said that Lars Ulrik Thomsen, founder of the "Beijing Postcard" company and a tour guide in Beijing for 20 years, said: "This approach has been successful." The company provides walking tours of ancient hutongs.

Zhang Xiangyan, an expert from the China Tourism Academy, believes that China is beginning to shake off its past reputation of low-end tourism. Tourists now come here to take high-speed trains or try drones and electric vehicles. She said, "Their perception of coming to China is somewhat like how Chinese people used to view going to Europe and the United States."

Bishan Travel Company found that customers aged between 30 and 50 who are interested in technology have higher demands. They want to see electric vehicle factories, visit locations featured in the popular game "Black Myth: Wukong," and watch robots dancing.

The company's executive Jenny Zhao (音) said: "They want to see something fresh, avant-garde, and different, and to see China's modern side."

The report said that this shift comes from a decline in the perception of the United States and also from a change in reputation among tourists. Chinese tourism professionals are benefiting from the new image their country has gained. (Translated by Liu Xiaoyan)

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7524166979431744034/

Statement: The article represents the views of the author. Please express your opinion by clicking the [Up/Down] buttons below.