BEIJING - Chinese port cities reported significant increases in international tourist arrivals during the May Day holiday, driven by relaxed visa regulations and improved entry-exit services.

From April 30 to May 3, immigration authorities noted a total of 69,000 inbound and outbound foreign nationals at Beijing ports, representing a 52.1 percent increase year-on-year.

The primary reasons for entry included tourism, family visits, and business activities.

On May 2, an international flight from Paris landed at Beijing Capital International Airport, where multilingual immigration officer Cui Zhuqing assisted travelers navigating the customs process.

Cui, who speaks French, provided essential guidance to an elderly couple unfamiliar with the entry procedures, facilitating their smooth passage.

In addition to personalized assistance, airport authorities implemented dedicated lanes for elderly, disabled, sick, and pregnant travelers, complemented by "one-stop" counters designed to issue temporary entry permits and expedite formalities.

One traveler from Russia remarked on the improved accessibility, stating, "Now it's so much easier to get a temporary entry permit.

You don't even have to requeue -- it's as quick as tapping into the subway."

In Guangzhou, located in southern China, over 154,000 cross-border travelers arrived and departed between May 1 and 3, marking a year-on-year increase of 23 percent.

Lin Shunyue, an officer at Baiyun immigration checkpoint, reported that all 34 inspection lanes were operational during peak hours to ensure efficient processing for incoming visitors.

The bustling activity at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport coincided with the commencement of the third phase of the 137th China Import and Export Fair, known as the Canton Fair.

Officers collaborated with an AI-powered consultation system to streamline assistance for travelers utilizing a fast-track lane established for the event.

A Polish businessman noted the convenience afforded by China's visa-free policy, facilitating his travels between Hong Kong and Guangzhou.

In Chengdu, located in Sichuan Province, Tianfu International Airport provided 24-hour immigration services throughout the five-day holiday, ensuring immediate access for foreign travelers upon arrival.

A tourist from Spain expressed delight at being able to experience local attractions, including visits to pandas and the enjoyment of Sichuan cuisine, while appreciating the city's efficient immigration clearances.

By May 3, Chengdu recorded 160,000 visa-free entries of foreign nationals for the year, with over 23,000 benefiting from newly extended 24- or 240-hour visa-free transits, and more than 51,000 transited without the need for immigration clearance.

Nationwide, the National Immigration Administration revealed that border inspection agencies registered 1.12 million entry and exit trips by foreign nationals during the holiday, amounting to a 43.1 percent increase compared to the previous year.

Among these, over 380,000 entries were made visa-free, reflecting a 72.7 percent surge compared to the same holiday period last year.

Currently, China extends unilateral visa-free entry to nationals from 38 countries and, as of December of the previous year, has enhanced the transit visa-free period to 240 hours for travelers from 54 countries.