Chongqing - Chongqing, a popular tourist destination in southwestern China, has seen a significant increase in foreign visitors due to its expanding "visa-free circle" and the extension of the 144-hour visa-free transit policy. These initiatives have made it easier for international travelers to explore the city's rich cultural heritage and modern amenities.

One morning in July, as dawn broke over Chongqing, a cruise ship filled with tourists docked at the port. Among the visitors was Ivan, a Brazilian tourist traveling with his family. 

They were greeted by Chen Ling, an English-speaking tour guide eager to show them the city. "The cruise ship offers various convenient cross-border payment options, including foreign currency exchange and support for international credit cards and mobile payments," Chen explained. Currently, Chongqing boasts over 49,000 merchants that accept foreign bank cards, and more than 12,100 ATMs support cash withdrawals with overseas cards.

Chen Ling (first from left) guides foreign tourists in exchanging cash. (Photo/Wang Xinyue)

At 9 a.m., a bus arrived at the Liziba Station viewing platform. When Ivan's family exited the station, an employee from a milk tea shop approached them, inviting them to try their tea. "You must try tea when you come to China!". Intrigued, Ivan and his family entered a shopping mall, eager to experience local flavors and products.

By 2 p.m., the family checked into the Somerset Yangtze River Chongqing Service Apartment in Yuzhong District. Thanks to prior arrangements made by Chen, they secured a room with a river view and checked in using their passports. "Wow, that's cool!" exclaimed Rafael, Ivan's son, captivated by the hotel's robotic guide in the lobby.

"I am thrilled that this trip allowed them to see Chongqing as a modern, comfortable, and convenient city," Chen said. After ensuring Ivan's family settled in, she hurried to the airport to welcome a group of tourists from Malaysia who planned to spend three days exploring Chongqing.

Chen noticed that the process of receiving guests had become faster. "Previously, international visitors would wait over an hour and a half. Now, we can meet them in under an hour." This efficiency is due to Chongqing Jiangbei Airport Customs' ongoing efforts to enhance smart inspection processes, with over 50 intelligent inspection devices improving entry procedures. In the first half of this year, the airport managed 782,100 inbound and outbound travelers, a 173% year-on-year increase.

"Most foreign tourists now spend three to four days in Chongqing," Chen said. While many visitors take advantage of simplified procedures for a 30-day travel visa, there is a growing demand for deeper travel experiences. "Foreign tourists now seek a more comprehensive understanding of China."

Data from the National Immigration Administration reveals that in the first half of the year, 14.635 million foreign nationals entered China, a 152.7% increase year-on-year. The 144-hour visa-free transit policy now applies to 37 ports across China, and the country continues to expand its visa-free "circle of friends." 

Last year, China trialed visa exemptions for citizens of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia. In March this year, the policy was extended to Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, and Luxembourg. In the first half of the year, 8.542 million foreigners entered China visa-free, marking a 190.1% year-on-year increase.

(Wang Haibo, as an intern, also contributed to the report)