On Monday, China introduced a new visa relaxation policy. This policy enables tour groups from ASEAN countries to visit Xishuangbanna, a well – known tourist spot in Yunnan Province in southwestern China, without a visa for up to six days.
The National Immigration Administration (NIA) stated in a release that this initiative is designed to invigorate tourism in southwest China. It is also anticipated to further open up the country, enhance personnel exchanges, and contribute to the deepening of the China – ASEAN comprehensive strategic partnership.
The NIA further elaborated that tourist groups from ASEAN countries, organized by Chinese travel agencies, can enter Xishuangbanna through the Xishuangbanna Gasa International Airport, the Mohan railway port, and the Mohan highway port.
ASEAN, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, consists of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
China has been continuously loosening its visa policies to promote opening – up and people – to – people exchanges, enabling more foreign tourists and businesspeople to visit the country without a visa. Up to now, China has established comprehensive mutual visa – exemption agreements with 25 countries, implemented unilateral visa – free policies for 38 countries, and transit visa – free policies for 54 countries.
Owing to the visa – free policies and facilitation measures, more foreign tourists visited China during the 2025 Spring Festival holiday, which spanned from January 28 to February 4.
According to the NIA, during the holiday, there were 958,000 cross – border trips made by foreigners in China, representing a 22.9% increase compared to the Spring Festival holiday last year.
