Archive December 17, 2024

The National Immigration Administration (NIA) announced today that it will fully relax and optimize the visa-free transit policy, which is effective immediately. The stay duration for foreign nationals eligible for visa-free transit has been extended from the previous 72 hours and 144 hours to 240 hours (10 days). Additionally, 21 ports of entry and exit have been added for visa-free transit individuals, further expanding the allowed areas for visa-free transit travelers. Individuals from 54 eligible countries, including Russia, Brazil, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and Canada, traveling from China to a third country (region), can enter visa-free through any of the 60 open ports in 24 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities), and stay within the allowed areas for visa-free transit travelers for no more than 240 hours.

The 21 newly added ports for the visa-free transit policy are Taiyuan Wusu International Airport in Shanxi Province, Su’nan Shuofang International Airport and Yangzhou Taizhou International Airport in Jiangsu Province, Wenzhou Longwan International Airport and Yiwu Airport in Zhejiang Province, Hefei Xinqiao International Airport and Huangshan Tunxi International Airport in Anhui Province, Fuzhou Changle International Airport, Quanzhou Jinjiang International Airport, and Wuyishan Airport in Fujian Province, Nanchang Changbei International Airport in Jiangxi Province, Jinan Yaoqiang International Airport, Yantai Penglai International Airport, and Weihai Dashuipo International Airport in Shandong Province, Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport in Hunan Province, Nanning Wuxu International Airport and Beihai Fucheng Airport in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Haikou Meilan International Airport and Sanya Phoenix International Airport in Hainan Province, Chengdu Tianfu International Airport in Sichuan Province, and Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport in Guizhou Province. The number of opened ports has increased from the original 39 to 60.

The fully relaxed and optimized 240-hour visa-free transit policy has further expanded the allowed areas for visa-free transit travelers. The number of provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) that can be visited under this policy has increased from the original 19 (Beijing Municipality, Tianjin Municipality, Hebei Province, Liaoning Province, Heilongjiang Province, Shanghai Municipality, Jiangsu Province, Zhejiang Province, Fujian Province, Shandong Province, Henan Province, Hubei Province, Hunan Province, Guangdong Province, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Chongqing Municipality, Sichuan Province, Yunnan Province, and Shaanxi Province) to 24 (with Shanxi Province, Anhui Province, Jiangxi Province, Hainan Province, and Guizhou Province added to the list). In the newly added five provinces, the allowed areas for visa-free transit travelers in Anhui Province, Hainan Province, and Guizhou Province include the entire province. In Shanxi Province, the areas are limited to Taiyuan and Datong, and in Jiangxi Province, the areas cover Nanchang and Jingdezhen. The areas in Fujian Province, Hubei Province, and Shaanxi Province are expanded to the entire respective provinces, and in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, the area expands to the administrative regions of Nanning, Liuzhou, Guilin, Wuzhou, Beihai, Fangchenggang, Qinzhou, Guigang, Yulin, Hezhou, Hechi, and Laibin. Foreign nationals entering China through the visa-free transit policy can make cross-province travels within the allowed areas for visa-free transit travelers in these 24 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities).

According to an NIA official, the recent relaxation and optimization of the visa-free transit policy is a significant step taken by NIA in line with its commitment to thoroughly learning and implementing the instructions from the Central Economic Work Conference, aiming to proactively serve and promote a high-standard opening up while facilitating the exchanges between Chinese and foreign nationals. This initiative is beneficial for accelerating cross-border flows of people, promoting international communication and cooperation, and injecting new momentum into the high-quality development of the economy and society. Going forward, the NIA will continue to deepen the institutional openness of immigration management, continually optimize and improve the policies facilitating entry and exit for immigrants, and enhance the convenience for foreign nationals to study, work, and live in China. NIA invites more foreign friends to come to China and experience the beauty of the country in this new era firsthand.

On December 4, 2024, at the 19th session of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage held in Asunción, Paraguay, the Committee officially decided to include “Spring Festival – The Social Practice of Celebrating the Chinese New Year” in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This historic decision marks a global recognition of the cultural significance of the Chinese New Year, a celebration that has been passed down through generations and is deeply rooted in Chinese traditions.

The Spring Festival, also known as the Chinese New Year, is one of the most important traditional festivals in China. It has a history spanning thousands of years, rich with cultural practices, rituals, and symbols. During the celebration, people engage in various customs, including family reunions, special festive meals, ancestor worship, dragon and lion dances, and setting off fireworks. The festival is celebrated with joy and harmony, emphasizing values of unity, prosperity, and good fortune for the coming year.

In addition to being celebrated in China, the Spring Festival has become a significant event for Chinese communities around the world, transcending national borders. Each year, millions of people participate in public and private celebrations, not only in China but also in countries across Asia and beyond, reflecting the growing global spread of this cultural tradition.

The decision to inscribe the Spring Festival on the Intangible Cultural Heritage List highlights the international community’s respect for and recognition of China’s rich cultural heritage. It also strengthens efforts to protect and preserve this vital cultural practice. UNESCO’s recognition of the Spring Festival will serve as an international platform for cultural exchange and the promotion of global awareness about this traditional celebration.

The cultural value of the Spring Festival extends beyond the festive activities themselves. It embodies the deep meaning of family reunions, cultural continuity, and social cohesion. As globalization continues to progress, more and more people, regardless of their cultural background, are participating in the celebrations. The Spring Festival has grown into a global cultural event, uniting people from all walks of life in a shared appreciation of Chinese traditions.

UNESCO’s decision underscores the importance of safeguarding intangible cultural heritage in today’s interconnected world. It also presents new opportunities for promoting cross-cultural dialogue and mutual understanding. Through this recognition, the Spring Festival will continue to play a vital role in fostering cultural diversity and enriching the shared heritage of humanity.

In a bold move to enhance international exchanges, China has expanded its visa-free travel policy to include Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein, and South Korea. From November 8, 2024, to December 31, 2025, citizens from these countries holding regular passports can visit China for business, tourism, family visits, or transit without a visa for up to 15 days.

For those who do not meet the visa-free criteria, obtaining a visa before entry remains a requirement.

This new initiative builds on China’s previous agreements with 24 countries that enjoy full visa exemption, along with 16 countries that have specific visa-free entry policies. Furthermore, travelers from 54 nations can take advantage of 72-hour or 144-hour visa-free transit options. As the entry process for foreign visitors continues to streamline and improve, China’s appeal as a travel destination grows stronger, inviting more explorers to experience its rich culture and vibrant landscapes.

On October 27, during the sixteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (COP16) held in Cali, Colombia, Guilin City was announced as a participant in the “Nature Cities” platform.

The “Nature Cities” platform is an online interactive platform established under a collaborative initiative framework promoted by various organizations, including the Eco-city Local Sustainable Development Association, the International Union for Conservation of Nature, The Nature Conservancy, the World Wildlife Fund, and the United Nations Environment Program. It serves as the world’s largest platform for sharing knowledge and case studies on urban and local biodiversity conservation, providing rich guides, tools, and case studies to help cities reassess their relationship with nature, achieving mutual coexistence and prosperity.

During the COP15 in 2022, six Chinese cities—Kunming, Chengdu, Huzhou, Nanyang, Jiaxing, and Shenzhen—were the first to join this platform. Guilin is the first city in Guangxi to be selected for the “Nature Cities” platform.

Guangxi is recognized as one of the 25 global biodiversity hotspots, ranking third in the country for biodiversity richness. Guilin is a crucial part of Guangxi’s biodiversity conservation efforts, with 638 known terrestrial wild vertebrate species and 3,120 species of wild vascular plants. The city has established 32 nature reserves covering an area of 624,100 hectares.

In recent years, Guilin has firmly committed to protecting its stunning landscapes, striving to transform the Li River into a model for integrated river management in China and a world-class example of ecological protection, providing a “Guilin experience” that can be referenced and promoted globally.

As China continues to expand its “visa-free friends circle,” the country has become an increasingly popular destination for inbound tourists. This summer, more and more foreign visitors are flocking to experience the unique charm of China.

According to the latest tourism data, inbound travel orders in China have doubled compared to the same period last year. For tourists from 14 countries, including France, Italy, Germany, and Thailand, who can now enter visa-free, the number of inbound travel orders has surged by 1.5 times. In recent days, despite the sweltering outdoor temperatures, the bustling Urumqi International Grand Bazaar in Xinjiang has been a magnet for foreign tourists, who come to shop and savor the region’s unique culinary delights.

But it’s not just Urumqi that’s capturing hearts. From the ancient city of Kashgar in southern Xinjiang to the majestic mountains and sprawling grasslands of northern Xinjiang, the region’s rich cultural tapestry and unparalleled natural beauty have won the admiration of countless foreign visitors. Meanwhile, as of late July, the introduction of a 144-hour visa-free entry policy for foreign tour groups from Hong Kong and Macau to Hainan has set the island’s inbound tourism market ablaze. On the shores of Haikou’s Xixiu Beach, a study tour group from the United Kingdom is eagerly learning the ropes of sailing and windsurfing.

China’s 144-hour visa-free transit policy now covers 37 ports of entry and 54 countries, with multiple visa-free transit options and streamlined customs procedures making it easier than ever for foreign tourists to explore China.

This summer, in addition to traditional group tours, there is a noticeable trend towards more independent travel, with the popularity of customized itineraries on the rise. Beyond the iconic landmarks of Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xi’an, and Guilin, foreign tourists are increasingly hopping on high-speed trains, eager to explore small towns, wander through trendy local markets, and dive deep into China’s diverse and multifaceted beauty.