ASEAN Tourists Boost China’s Tourism Industry Under New Visa-Free Policy
A new visa policy has sparked a surge in tourism from Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam to China, fostering deeper cultural ties and driving economic growth across the region.
On Friday, a group of 15 tourists from Thailand and Laos wrapped up a four-day visit to Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture in southwest China, marking a milestone as the first ASEAN-based tour group to explore the region under China’s latest visa relaxation policy. Their return journey via the China-Laos Railway symbolized the growing connectivity between China and its ASEAN neighbors.
As of February 10, China has introduced a visa exemption for visitors from ASEAN countries, allowing them to stay in Xishuangbanna, a major tourist hub in Yunnan Province, for up to six days without requiring a visa. This initiative aims to enhance travel convenience, encourage cultural exchange, and boost regional cooperation.
Tourism Boom and Economic Impact
China and ASEAN nations have long shared strong tourism partnerships, and the recent visa-free policy has further strengthened this relationship. According to official data, Xishuangbanna welcomed 319,500 international tourists in 2024—a staggering 264.67% increase compared to the previous year. Visitors from Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar have been the primary drivers of this surge.
The new policy is expected to further stimulate the local economy, benefiting hospitality, transportation, and related sectors. Jiang Jie, deputy director of Xishuangbanna’s Culture and Tourism Bureau, announced the introduction of 18 new tourist routes, designed to highlight the area’s rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes.
Cultural and Educational Exchange on the Rise
Tourists exploring Xishuangbanna have been captivated by its lush landscapes, traditional Dai ethnic culture, and unique experiences such as water blessing ceremonies and folk dance performances. Beyond tourism, the policy also strengthens cultural bonds between China and ASEAN nations.
Qi Xiaobo, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, emphasized that the visa exemption marks a new chapter in China-ASEAN relations. “This policy reflects China’s commitment to fostering deeper ties with ASEAN countries, not only in tourism but also in cultural and educational exchanges.”
The increasing influence of Chinese culture in the region is evident, with a growing number of ASEAN students showing interest in learning Mandarin. Le Anh Lien, a 24-year-old from Vietnam, secured employment at a cross-border food shop in Tianbao Port, Malipo County, thanks to her proficiency in Chinese. A report from VietnamWorks, a leading job platform, indicates that Vietnamese students fluent in Chinese have nearly a 100% success rate in securing employment after graduation.
Similarly, interest in the Chinese language is rising in Laos, particularly among students pursuing careers in logistics, e-commerce, tourism, and sports management. Zhou Bo, head of a vocational school in Mengla County, Xishuangbanna, shared that over 500 new Lao students are expected to enroll in the institution this year.
Expanding Educational and Workforce Collaboration
The increasing number of student exchanges between China and ASEAN nations highlights the strengthening of bilateral ties. Over 175,000 exchange students now travel between China and ASEAN countries, benefiting from joint educational programs that equip them with valuable skills and foster long-term cooperation.
Jia Chaozhishan of the Yunnan Academy of Social Sciences stated, “People-to-people exchanges between China and ASEAN have entered a new phase, with increasing collaboration in education, tourism, and trade. This trend is expected to continue shaping regional dynamics for years to come.”
A Win-Win Strategy for China and ASEAN
China’s visa-free policy aligns with its broader goal of fostering regional integration and economic development. The influx of ASEAN tourists is a boon for China’s tourism industry, while ASEAN nations benefit from strengthened cultural and economic ties. With the initiative’s early success, further expansions of the visa policy could be on the horizon.
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