With summer over and Beijing's autumn scenery coming into view, growing numbers of foreign tourists are choosing to visit the city in September to avoid the peak season. The National Immigration Administration has expanded the 240-hour visa-free transit policy to cover 57 countries, helping fuel the rise in inbound tourism as visitors take in the capital's autumn landscapes and cultural attractions.
According to the Beijing General Station of Exit and Entry Frontier Inspection, an average of 15,300 foreign nationals have entered Beijing each day since the start of September, up 22.4 percent from August's daily average. On September 7, arrivals exceeded 17,000, the highest single-day figure this year.
As of September 18, foreign nationals entering through Beijing ports under visa-free policies or temporary entry permits accounted for 70 percent of all foreign arrivals, reflecting the impact of measures such as the 240-hour visa-free transit policy. With universities reopening and a series of international conferences and events taking place, inbound travel has continued to rise.
According to the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism, Beijing received 4.488 million inbound visitors in the first eight months of this year, up 33.5 percent year on year. As visa-free policies expand and inbound visitors stay longer, foreign tourists are increasingly taking time to explore local culture and everyday life, with greater interest in slower, more immersive travel. Their itineraries are expanding beyond traditional landmarks such as the Palace Museum, the Great Wall and the Temple of Heaven to include public spaces such as the China National Arts and Crafts Museum, Chaoyang Park and the banks of the Liangma River.
Ongoing improvements to visitor services are also making it easier for overseas tourists to experience the beauty of China.
Beijing has largely achieved clearance times of 30 minutes or less. The city now has more than 2,000 departure tax-refund stores, with over 60 offering instant refunds at the point of purchase. This year, Beijing also launched the "Beijing's New Discoveries" and "Beijing Must-Buy and Must-Eat" lists, highlighting authentic local experiences, the city's vibrant character and immersive cultural activities for overseas visitors.
(Source: CCTV.com)
