The Great Wall, one of the most iconic structures in the world, is more or less the symbol of China. Due to its history and beauty, it also attracts a great number of tourists each year. (Photo : Getty Images)
Good news to all travelers!
From 72-hour visa free, Shanghai has now allowed nearly 39,000 foreign tourists to enter the country visa-free for 144 hours.
The 144-hour visa-free entry for international transit passengers started on Jan. 30, 2016, which was aimed at renewing effort to boost business and tourism.
Upon entry via Shanghai’s air, sea, and railway ports, tourists can enjoy a 144-hour stay in the Yangtze River Delta, Jiangsu Province’s Nanjing Lukou International Airport and Zhejiang Province’s Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport, providing they have third country visas and tickets to leave for a third country or region within 144 hours.
Since 2013, Shanghai, Zhejiang’s capital Hangzhou, and Jiangsu’s capital Nanjing had allowed 72-hour visa-free entry for international transit passengers.
Beijing, Guangzhou, and provincial capitals like Xi’an, Chengdu, and Kunming all have allowed 72-hour visa-free entry for international transit passenger.
Every month, nearly 3,000 foreign tourists entered Shanghai without a visa, according to Shanghai Customs.
China is very popular with tourists due to its different culture, ancient cities, fast modernization, and natural highlights.
Next to France and the U.S., China ranks third as a tourist destination; and world’s number one tourist destination if Hong Kong and Macau are included.
In 2015, 98.8 million people visited China for tourism, work, or business-related purposes.
Aside from tourist attractions, China offers remarkable diversities of cuisines and food. Among the must-taste Chinese food are Beijing roast duck in Beijing, rice noodles in Guilin, steamed buns in Shanghai, hotpot in Chengdu, dumplings in Xi’an, and dim sum in Hong Kong.
There also sweet and sour pork, Gong Bao chicken, Ma Po tofu, wontons, chow mein, and spring rolls.
If you’re planning to visit China, avoid peak weeks: Spring Festival, the National Day Holiday (Oct. 1-7), and around the May 1 national holiday. Avoid weekends, too.
