Chongqing - Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport has processed over 2 million inbound and outbound passenger trips as of August 16, reaching the milestone 75 days earlier than last year, according to the Chongqing General Station of Exit and Entry Frontier Inspection.

Terminal 3B of Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport. (Photo/Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport)

The figure represents a year-on-year increase of 35.4%, the fastest growth rate among China's top ten airports.

This summer, the "China Cool" trend has surged on overseas social media, with Chongqing - a megacity in western China - gaining international attention for its unique mountainous terrain and urban landscapes. Experiences such as dining on hotpot in air-raid shelters, exploring Nanbin Road, and escaping the heat at Fairy Mountain in Wulong have drawn waves of foreign tourists, making the city an increasingly popular international summer getaway destination.

International visitors in Chongqing. (Photo/First Sight News)

Visa-free policies have played a key role. As of August 16, the station had processed more than 716,000 foreign passenger trips, up 86.1% year on year. Among inbound foreign travelers, 255,000 entered under unilateral visa-free or 240-hour transit visa exemption policies, accounting for 70% of all foreign arrivals. European visitors posted a nearly threefold increase.

International visitors can easily apply for a temporary entry permit. (Photo/First Sight News)

Southeast Asian routes have also fueled the growth. Passengers from Southeast Asian countries totaled 492,000 this year, making up 68.7% of all foreign travelers. Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore ranked as the top three source countries.

Outbound travel by Chinese mainland residents also rose. The station processed over 903,000 trips by mainland travelers, up 11.6% year on year, with Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore again topping the list of destinations.

International visitors in Chongqing. (Photo/First Sight News)

To manage the surging passenger flow, Chongqing's border inspection authorities have established a passenger trend analysis mechanism, increased staffing during peak hours, and implemented a zone-based clearance model. New measures include a "Border Inspection Express" service for foreign tour groups with urgent departures, a dedicated temporary entry permit zone, and online arrival card filing terminals that have pushed the self-service filing rate above 90%. A direct transit express channel has also been completed and put into operation.