In a significant boost to international tourism, China witnessed a substantial increase in visa-free trips made by foreigners in 2024, highlighting the effectiveness of the country's expanded visa-free policies.

According to data released by the National Immigration Administration (NIA), more than 20 million inbound trips by foreigners were made without the need for a visa, marking a remarkable 112.3 percent rise compared to the previous year.

This development forms part of a broader trend of increased travel to China, with border inspection agencies across the nation processing a total of 64.88 million cross-border trips by foreigners in 2024, up 82.9 percent from the previous year.

The total number of entries and exits at Chinese borders stood at 610 million, reflecting a 43.9 percent increase compared to 2023 figures.

China also issued approximately 2.6 million visas to foreign nationals, a 52.3 percent year-on-year growth, while facilitating visa extension, renewal, and reissuance for 72,000 foreign nationals.

Domestic travel interest showed parallel enthusiasm, with almost 23.32 million passports issued to Chinese citizens for overseas travel, a notable 26.5 percent rise from the year before.

Furthermore, mainland residents made significant trips to neighboring regions, with over 94.5 million travel documents issued for journeys to the Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions, and Taiwan, representing a 9.8 percent annual increase.

Collectively, mainland Chinese citizens undertook 291 million cross-border trips, an increase of 41.3 percent, while Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan residents made 254 million cross-border trips, up 38.8 percent year-on-year.

The influx of international visitors is evident in cities like Beijing, which reported 3.94 million inbound tourism trips, an impressive 186.8 percent increase over the previous year.

The Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism noted that these figures are nearly 89 percent of the city's total in 2019, illustrating a robust recovery in tourism levels post-pandemic.

Advertising new tourism offerings, the city has focused on enhancing services for international visitors, compelling them to explore cultural experiences such as Tai Chi and cooking classes, alongside innovative offerings like 'Citywalk' tours which highlight Beijing's attractions.

In tandem with this growth, Chinese authorities have taken firm steps to ensure safe and secure border management.

The National Immigration Administration reported handling over 35,000 border-related cases, including nearly 500 drug-related cases resulting in arrests and significant drug seizures.

China's strategic enhancements in visa policies and tourism offerings underline its commitment to fostering greater international engagement and promoting tourism.

As it continues to streamline travel processes, the potential for future growth in inbound tourism remains promising, providing a window for enhanced cultural exchange and economic activity.