Spokesperson's Remarks｜China pledges to continuously improve inbound travel policies at Lantern Festival

Going forward, China will continue its effort of improving inbound travel policies and putting more countries on the visa-free list, and present a credible, amiable and respectable image of China to foreign friends, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Wednesday. 

"Today is the Chinese traditional festival-the Lantern Festival, and I want to wish all of you and your family happiness, great health and auspiciousness." Guo said at a regular press conference in Beijing. 

Guo noted that having first-hand experience of folk custom in China seem to have become quite trendy during this year's Spring Festival, and the Chinese people welcomed foreign visitors with warm hospitality. Top destinations in China have enabled foreign tourists to make mobile payments smoothly and conveniently. Latest data show that during the Spring Festival holiday, the total number of transactions made by international tourists that were processed by China UnionPay and NetsUnion Clearing Corporation increased by 124.54 percent year-on-year, and the total transaction value grew by 90.49 percent. 

Guo added that localities and departments in China rolled out facilitating measures in the cultural and tourism sector in an effort to support the visa-free policies, such as higher clearance efficiency, more convenient language services, better accommodation, catering, sightseeing and other services throughout the travelers' journey, and the pilot "Buy Now, Refund Now" service for efficient departure tax refunds. From online services to brick-and-mortar stores, from customs counter to store counter, the smooth travel experience everywhere and anytime in China has made foreigners feel like home, and helped them see an open, confident, culturally advanced, and safe and secure China.

"The latest policies, including the 110-plus steps in facilitating cross-border travel, unilateral visa-free policy for 38 countries and the 240-hour visa-free transit, speak to China's firm commitment to high-standard opening up, and serve as China's concrete steps in building an open world economy." Guo said. (By Ma Ziqian/China Youth Daily)