Foreign travelers in Dongguan praise 240-hour visa-free transit policy

On December 18, over 30 travel influencers and industry representatives from around the world gathered at the Keyuan Museum in Dongguan, to experience the unique charm of Lingnan Gardens. This event was part of an international "check-in" activity organized by the Guangdong Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism.

The event kicked off on December 16, attracting nearly 100 travel professionals and influencers from countries including South Korea, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, the United States, France, and Canada. These participants engaged in an in-depth exploration of Guangdong province, visiting popular tourist cities such as Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Dongguan, Jiangmen, Huizhou, Shantou, Chaozhou, Foshan, Qingyuan, and Shaoguan.

From December 16 to 20, the travelers embarked on three classic routes: a journey through the dynamic Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, a cultural and culinary tour along the coastline, and a health-focused exploration of world natural heritage sites.

Notably, during the event, the National Immigration Administration announced a significant enhancement to the visa-free transit policy. As of December 17, the maximum stay for foreign travelers under this policy has been extended from 72 and 144 hours to 240 hours (10 days), offering a more flexible and convenient travel experience.

At Keyuan Museum, participants were captivated by the rich history and cultural ambiance of this Qing Dynasty garden—one of Guangdong's four famous gardens and a national key cultural relic. Many influencers enthusiastically documented their experiences, snapping photos and videos to share on social media.

Pakniat Parichehr, an influencer from Iran, expressed her admiration for the unique cultural artifacts and performances, particularly Cantonese opera, stating that "The artistic treasures here remind me of my home country. I will share my experiences so that more people can discover Guangdong's vibrant culture and natural beauty."

With impressive statistics, Guangdong has seen a remarkable recovery in inbound tourism, welcoming 53.5 million visitors in the first three quarters of 2024—a 73.5% increase year-on-year, generating tourism revenue of 126.5 billion yuan, up 96.2%.