Foreign friends are welcome to add China to their list of destinations, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Tuesday.
Spokesperson Lin Jian made the remarks at a daily press briefing, in response to recent posts, photos and video clips depicting China’s travel trend on overseas social media.
Mr. Lin said he had also seen a number of “China travel” videos posted by foreign netizens. According to him, through their lens, many foreign friends provide insight into China’s prosperous and modern cities, as well as the activities of ordinary Chinese people. Some of these curious visitors are visiting the country for the first time, while others have been there many times.
In recent months, China has implemented comprehensive mutual visa waiver with 26 countries, Lin said, adding that China has implemented a unilateral visa waiver policy for 38 countries, including France and China. Germany, and a visa-free transit policy for 54 countries, and had reached mutual visa waiver agreements with 157 countries and regions.
On Tuesday morning, China fully relaxed and improved the visa-free transit policy, extending the permitted stay for eligible foreign travelers to 240 hours, or 10 days, from the original 72 to 144 hours. Twenty-one entry and exit points have been added for people in transit without a visa. Foreigners entering China under the visa-free transit policy can travel between provinces within permitted areas, he noted.
“We invite foreign friends to add China to their list of destinations and discover the country’s ancient history by visiting heritage sites, such as the Great Wall, and marveling at natural wonders like the Lake of China. “West, to discover the applications of cutting-edge technologies and to feel the spirit of humanity embodied in the delights of winter gastronomy,” said Mr. Lin.
