Chongqing - With the continuous expansion of the visa-free network and the facilitation of the 144-hour transit visa exemption, various online travel platforms indicate that Chongqing is increasingly becoming a favored entry city for foreign tourists visiting China. In the first half of the year, the number of flight bookings surged by 1.8 times compared to the same period last year, with over 10% of foreign visitors returning for a second visit within six months.

Chongqing is increasingly becoming a favored entry city for foreign tourists visiting China. (Photo/Huang Wei, Xinhua)

On global social media, videos related to Chinese travel have amassed over 1 billion views. Chongqing, renowned for its unique attractions such as monorails passing through residential buildings and its famous spicy hotpot, aptly nicknamed the "City of Magic," has become a top destination for international tourists exploring China.

The Thousand Hand Guanyin in Dazu Rock Carvings (Photo/Dazu District)

According to data from the National Immigration Administration, in the first half of 2024, the number of foreign entries at national ports reached 14.635 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 152.7%. Of these, 8.542 million entries were facilitated through visa-free access, accounting for 52% and marking a year-on-year growth of 190.1%.

The surge in entry numbers has significantly bolstered the recovery of inbound tourism. Data from Qunar reveals that in the first half of 2024, the number of flight bookings on domestic routes by travelers holding non-Chinese passports increased by 1.8 times year-on-year. The United States, Russia, Canada, South Korea, and Australia topped the list in terms of booking volume. Meanwhile, travelers from Malaysia, Japan, and Kazakhstan exhibited the most substantial growth, with booking increases exceeding 2.2 times.

Chongqing hot pot. (Photo/Li Xinyi)

Regarding destinations, Chongqing ranks among the top ten most popular entry cities for foreign tourists. Qunar data shows that the top ten popular flight destinations for foreign tourists in China are Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Hangzhou, Xi'an, Chongqing, Kunming, and Qingdao.

Ctrip data further corroborates the trend, indicating that the 72/144-hour visa-free transit policy continues to stimulate inbound tourism growth. In the second quarter of this year, inbound tourism orders in 23 cities increased by 42% compared to the first quarter. Cities such as Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Beijing, Hangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Xiamen, Xi'an, and Qingdao saw significant numbers of inbound tourists, with Qinhuangdao, Xi'an, Beijing, Chengdu, and Chongqing exhibiting high growth rates compared to the first quarter.

The adorable giant pandas in Chongqing LocaJoy Theme Park. (Photo/Chongqing LocaJoy Theme Park)

Notably, an increasing number of "advanced" foreign tourists who have previously resided in China, visited before, or are adept at travel planning are opting to experience the efficiency of China's high-speed rail. The leading nationalities for high-speed rail ticket bookings include the United States, South Korea, Russia, Vietnam, and Malaysia. The 2-hour high-speed rail networks in Sichuan-Chongqing, Jiangsu-Zhejiang-Shanghai, and Guangzhou-Shenzhen are hugely popular.