An aerial view of downtown Shanghai and the Huangpu River. [Photo/VCG]

In a remarkable trend reported by the National Immigration Administration, the influx of inbound foreign nationals at Shanghai's entry ports nearly tripled during the first half of this year, reaching a staggering 2.04 million individuals.

This surge has been visibly reflected in the bustling crowds of foreign visitors exploring major tourism attractions across Shanghai.

The introduction of China's 144-hour visa-free transit policy for travelers from 54 countries has opened up new avenues for foreign travelers to explore the country. This initiative has not only facilitated seamless travel experiences but has also sparked a trend of vlogging among many visitors, showcasing their exciting adventures and experiences in China.

Among the myriad of stories shared by these travelers, China's safety, diverse culinary offerings, rich cultural heritage, and cutting-edge technology have emerged as focal points of their travel experiences. Female vloggers, in particular, have highlighted Shanghai’s security, as they are able to walk alone at night without concerns. Local delicacies such as steamed buns and hotpot have garnered widespread appreciation, while the advanced high-speed rail network, ubiquitous mobile payment systems, and service robots in hotels have left a lasting impression of Shanghai as a futuristic city.

To further enhance the travel experience for expats and visitors, Shanghai Customs has implemented measures aimed at expediting customs clearance processes. The time taken for customs checks per person has been reduced from 6 minutes to 2 minutes. By the end of June, these streamlined policies have benefited approximately 100,000 expats entering through Shanghai Pudong International Airport, collectively saving a total of 6,700 hours and providing travelers with more time to explore and enjoy their stay.

Additional measures include allowing travelers to fill out arrival cards and declaration forms online to minimize queuing times. Furthermore, a dedicated team of hundreds of staff volunteers offers language services in up to 13 languages, ensuring a smooth and welcoming experience for travelers from around the world.

Wang Xue, a Russian language service volunteer, shared an anecdote about assisting a Russian tourist who inquired about the 24-hour visa-free policy in order to go on a tour of Shanghai. She recommended popular tourist attractions like the Yuyuan Garden and the Bund, while also introducing the visitor to the 144-hour visa-free transit option. The tourist later returned in May to share his travel plans to Shanghai's neighboring provinces using China’s 144 transit policy, underscoring the positive impact that these initiatives have in regards to enhancing the overall experience for international travelers.

Source: "NIANEWS" WeChat account