By Mem. Zhao Liying, Consul General of China in Calgary
China has recently adopted multiple visa-free travel policies to facilitate foreign visitors, which involve the 72-hour or 144-hour visa-free transit policy for foreign nationals from 54 countries including Canada at China’s 41 exit-entry ports, the 15-days visa-free entry policy for citizens of 15 countries, the visa-free entry policy for foreign tourist groups traveling to China’s coastal provinces by cruise ships, the 144-hour visa-free policy for foreign tour groups from Hong Kong and Macao entering Hainan Island, as well as the comprehensive mutual visa exemption agreement signed with 23 countries. At the same time, China has been continuously optimizing measures on payment, communication, accommodation relating to foreign visitors.
All of the above-mentioned facilitation measures have garnered widespread attention and effective results. In the first half of this year, 14.635 million foreign visitors entered China through various ports, a year-on-year increase of 152.7%. Among these are 8.54 million visa-free entries, accounting for 58% of the total and increasing by 190.1% year-on-year. “China Travel” has become a buzzword on social media while the catchphrase “city bu city,” which means “city or not a city,” has gone viral. When you click on the hashtags, foreign travelers share their experiences from bustling Wangfujing Street in Beijing in the evening to “cyberpunk” style night views of Chongqing as well as the ancient and majestic architecture of Shanxi. They leave their footprints across China and present an opening-up, inclusive, comprehensive and authentic China to the world.
What attracts foreign visitors most apart from China’s rich history and magnificent landscapes? First, the safe and orderly-governed society. The night markets are bustling at midnight. The traffic system is orderly. The living environment is clean and refreshing. All of these make foreigners feel quite safe in China. Second, the extensive, profound and diverse catering culture. Chinese cuisines of eight major culinary traditions are famed for wide regional diversity while various street snacks feature unique local flavors. Visitors have to remind themselves of the “risk” of gaining weight from having too much delicious food in China. Third, the convenient and efficient infrastructure. China has the most developed high-speed rail network in the world, the most convenient electronic payment network, the largest number of electric vehicle charging stations, and a great number of 24-hour supermarkets and restaurants throughout the streets. All of these give foreign tourists a more lovely and comfortable travel experience.
Thanks to the on-spot travel and in-person witness, more and more foreigners are getting a better understanding of a real China that may differ significantly from the bizarre claims perpetuated by some media outlets. They share their observations and reflections through social media and Network we-media. Over a period of time, foreign travelers would definitely recall the hospitable and friendly Chinese people and the harmonious and inclusive Chinese society even though they might forget the exact number of beautiful neon lights on tall buildings.
China is committed to improving its high-level opening up and advancing Chinese modernization. China will take further steps to optimize entry-exit measures and facilitate people-to-people exchanges, enabling foreign visitors to experience a trustworthy, lovable, and respectful China.
Friends from Canada are welcome to have a walk on the trip to China. You are sure to have a journey enjoyable and worthwhile.
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