China is welcoming more international visitors as visa-free policies make it easier for eligible travelers to visit the country. In southern China, Guangdong hopes to tap into that growing interest by showcasing its modern cities, coastal scenery and traditional culture.
China recorded 154.5 million inbound tourist visits in 2025, up 17.1 percent year on year. Foreign nationals made 30.08 million visits under visa-free policies, an increase of 49.5 percent, according to official data. Guangdong recorded 7.266 million visits by foreign tourists in the first half of 2026, up 49.2 percent year on year.
Against this backdrop, travel agents and influencers from 55 countries and regions gathered in Chikan Ancient Town in Kaiping, Jiangmen, on October 19 for an inbound tourism event and the "Guangdong Magical Night" carnival.
The evening carnival showcased Guangdong's cultural diversity through robotic martial arts demonstrations and traditional Chinese medicine experiences. Visitors could also explore displays highlighting attractions across Guangdong's 21 cities, sample local food and enjoy a fish-lantern parade, fireworks and other cultural performances.
The event also saw the launch of an AI travel card, which combines a public transport card preloaded with 30 yuan in credit with access to Trip.com's AI travel assistant and booking services for hotels, attractions and flights. From mid- to late November 2026, 10,000 free cards will be distributed in batches to international travelers at dedicated counters at the international arrival areas of Guangzhou and Shenzhen airports.
The programme extends beyond the carnival, with four themed tours taking visiting travel professionals across Guangdong from October 20 to 22.
One route covers Guangzhou, Dongguan and Foshan, offering a look at the urban culture of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). Another takes visitors to Zhongshan, Zhuhai and Shenzhen to explore coastal attractions and the region's technological development.
In eastern Guangdong, the tours highlight overseas Chinese heritage and local cuisine in cities including Chaozhou and Shantou. In the north, Qingyuan and Shaoguan offer mountain scenery and distinctive Danxia landforms.
By combining cultural experiences with business matchmaking and firsthand visits, Guangdong hopes to attract more international visitors to the province and encourage them to explore destinations beyond China's best-known tourist hotspots.
Reporter: Li Muzi
Photo: Pan Jiajun
