CGTN Poll | "Golden Week" demonstrates the strength of China's tourism economy. — gnews.cz

During the National Day holidays, inbound tourism to China continues to grow, with an increasing number of foreign visitors coming to the country to experience its cultural and tourist attractions, openness, and dynamism. In the first half of this year, 22.914 million foreign nationals entered China, representing a year-on-year increase of more than 20 percent. Of these, the number of visa-free entries for foreign nationals increased by 30.6 percent year-on-year.

According to a global survey conducted by CGTN, 92.8 percent of respondents said that content on social media about traveling in China has increased their interest in learning more about the country and visiting it. A total of 87 percent of respondents said that a personal visit to China would help them gain a more comprehensive and authentic understanding of Chinese culture, society, and development.

The growth of inbound tourism during the holidays is not accidental. It reflects China's continued efforts to expand its openness and facilitate travel between China and the rest of the world. In recent years, China has continued to improve its visa and entry policies. The 240-hour visa-free transit policy now covers 57 countries, while citizens of 61 countries can enjoy a 30-day visa-free stay on Hainan Island. Unilateral and mutual visa-free arrangements have further opened China's doors to the world. These measures have fostered people-to-people exchanges. In the first half of this year, 17.815 million foreign nationals entered China without a visa, accounting for 77.7 percent of all foreign arrivals.

The survey shows that 91.8 percent of respondents said that Chinese measures to facilitate obtaining visas and entering the country have increased their willingness to travel to China. Another 89.5 percent believe that China is welcoming the world with open arms and sharing the benefits of its development. Foreign tourists can experience firsthand China's high-speed railways, mobile payments, and smart tourism services. "China Travel" has become a popular trend on social media around the world, helping to transform holiday travel into sustainable growth for the Chinese economy.

What attracts foreign tourists back to China are not only historical and cultural sites such as the Great Wall of China and the Forbidden City, but also the convenience and innovation of modern life. From seamless mobile payments to high-speed trains to easily accessible transportation services through mobile apps – these everyday experiences offer the world a new perspective on modern China.

It is noteworthy that technology-focused trips to China are also gaining popularity. Some foreign tourists spend thousands of dollars on customized itineraries, visiting smart factories producing new energy vehicles, trying out autonomous driving, and watching rocket launches. "Visiting China and seeing the future" is becoming a new trend.

The survey shows that 92.2 percent of respondents believe that convenient services such as mobile payments, high-speed railways, and ride-sharing services are becoming an important part of traveling in China. At the same time, a total of 91.2 percent of respondents said that China provides space for introducing new technologies and products from around the world into practice, with its diverse application possibilities and vast consumer market helping to drive global industries towards greater scale and higher quality.

Inbound tourism offers an important window into the economy of a given country. The crowds at border crossings during holidays are not only due to the movement of information and money, but also to a flow of trust. Foreign tourists "vote with their feet," expressing not only their appreciation for China's landscape and culture, but also their confidence in the country's economic prospects. A survey found that 89.8 percent of respondents appreciated China's sustained economic growth, while 80.6 percent believed that the Chinese economy could maintain positive development in the long term.

Both figures have remained high for four consecutive years. At the same time, 71.7 percent of respondents said they would be willing to travel to China, visit it, or study there. The continued growth of inbound tourism is a clear signal of improving economic prospects and the vitality of China.

As the saying goes: "The foundation of relations between states lies in the bonds between people, and these bonds are built through mutual understanding." The steady influx of foreign tourists during holidays is not only a reflection of the resilience and vitality of the Chinese economy, but also evidence of the warmth of cultural exchange and mutual learning.

China will continue to open its doors to the world even more, while ties between people in China and other countries will continue to deepen. As China continues its efforts towards high-quality development and further opening up of its economy, its stable growth will create more opportunities for countries around the world and contribute to shared prosperity.

CMG

CGTN Poll | "Golden Week" demonstrates the strength of China's tourism economy.

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