This morning, the State Council Information Office held a press conference at which representatives of the Ministry of Public Security released a series of figures: in the first half of this year, 22.914 million foreign nationals entered China, of whom 17.815 million did so under visa-free arrangements, representing year-on-year increases of 20.4% and 30.6% respectively. Cross-border movement has thus become a new driver of economic development.

Particularly since the start of the summer holidays, the number of foreign tourists has been rising steadily, with the number of travellers from Europe significantly higher than before. Why are large groups of foreign tourists making their way all the way to China to escape the heat in the sweltering summer?

In the height of summer, Zhangjiajie in Hunan Province is attracting a peak influx of foreign tourists seeking refuge from the heat, thanks to its cool climate and world-renowned mountain scenery. Tourists from Europe, Southeast Asia and other countries are heading into the mountains to enjoy fresh breezes and the natural coolness of nature.

Thanks to the dividends of the 240-hour transit visa-free policy, the Zhangjiajie border crossing has become an important gateway for foreign tourists entering Hunan. Local authorities have so far opened 13 regular scheduled routes to eight countries and regions. Rapid clearance within 30 minutes and entry to scenic areas simply by presenting a passport have become standard.

As the ecological "calling card" of Jilin Province, Changbaishan has recorded an average temperature below 22°C during June, July and August over the past ten years. Its pleasant and refreshing climate has made it a sought-after summer travel destination.

 According to Changbaishan administration data, since the start of the July holiday period the number of visitors processed daily at the site has exceeded 30,000, fully unleashing the vitality of cultural and tourism consumption. Convenient transport further boosts summer travel — it is just over 4 hours from Beijing by high-speed rail, making an inter-provincial heat-escape trip both efficient and easy.

Drawing on the dividends of visa-free entry for Russia, South Korea and others, and optimising its range of personalised products for foreign tourists, the destination has recorded a significant increase in inbound tourists during the holiday period. 

Since the start of the holiday season, interest in a number of international routes from Shenzhen Airport to 9 European countries has been rising continuously. According to data from the Shenzhen Airport immigration station (Shenzhen Main Immigration Station), the number of travellers from European countries entering through the Shenzhen air border crossing has increased by 31.6% year-on-year since June.

A British tourist noted that although temperatures in Shenzhen are high, air conditioning is everywhere, making it very cool indoors. During this heat-escape trip, he and his companion wanted to try jet skiing and skiing at an indoor resort.

 

A French tourist said that in order to escape the current high temperatures in Europe, he deliberately chose a route through Yunnan and Guizhou. "It was around 25°C in Yunnan — very pleasant. Some platforms even offer French-language service, so communicating with customer support went smoothly."

The tourist was particularly complimentary about China's infrastructure: "Plenty of air conditioning, lots of covered shelters, easy access to drinking water — it is far more visitor-friendly than the stuffy metro in Europe's old districts and old buildings without air conditioning. I will recommend that friends come to China in summer to experience completely different scenery and travel comfort."

 

Ctrip statistics show that among the top 20 source countries and regions for inbound tourism during this year's holiday period, European countries account for 30%. Bookings have increased by 275% year-on-year, with ticket bookings more than 20 times those of last year. Of these, Russia accounts for 53.5% with a year-on-year increase of 553%. The United Kingdom, France, Germany and other Western European countries together account for nearly 42%, with a combined year-on-year increase of nearly 150%.

CMG