Aside from these popular entry cities, there are also other cities that attract foreign tourists, such as Chongqing, Xiamen, Shenyang, and Nanjing. When selecting these entry points, tourists often consider factors such as the availability of flights and proximity to neighboring cities. For instance, Qingdao is the second most popular city for South Korean tourists, Harbin is the second most popular city for Russian tourists, Dalian is the third most popular city for Japanese tourists, and Xiamen is the third most popular city for Australian tourists.
Based on local customs data, the number of foreign nationals entering through Shanghai port in the first half of this year was 2.035 million, which is approximately 2.8 times higher than the same period last year. Xiamen Gaoqi Port saw nearly 200,000 foreigners entering, three times the number compared to last year, and there was a significant increase in visa-free foreigners, reaching nearly 70,000. The number of visa-free foreign tourists entering Hangzhou port exceeded 45,300, a remarkable year-on-year increase of over 74.5 times. The adjustment of the visa-free policy has led to a continuous rise in the number of foreigners entering the country. These foreign tourists have been exploring various parts of China during their 144-hour stay. Data reveals that the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Terracotta Warriors are the top three must-visit spots for foreign travelers. Additionally, Shanghai Yu Garden, Chengdu Giant Panda Base, Hangzhou West Lake, and Hunan Zhangjiajie National Forest Park are also popular destinations.
Additionally, there are several characteristic towns that have also attracted a significant number of foreign tourists. Locations such as Gansu Dunhuang, Yunnan Lijiang, and Shangri-La have become popular destinations for foreigners seeking unique experiences.
It is worth noting that high-speed rail has become a favored option for foreign tourists looking to explore different cities in China. According to statistics, tourists from the United States, South Korea, Russia, Vietnam, and Malaysia are particularly active in booking high-speed rail tickets. Popular routes include the Jiangjiang-Zhejiang-Shanghai, Sichuan-Chongqing, and Guangzhou-Shenzhen two-hour high-speed rail lines.
Moreover, with the upcoming Paris Olympic Games, Yiwu has become a sought-after stop for foreign tourists within the high-speed railway network of Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai. Many visitors have taken advantage of their time here to purchase a significant amount of sports goods.