Over 80 percent of people didn't leave China until the visa deadline was imminent, said Mao Xu, a senior NIA official.

　　Meanwhile, following the introduction of the new visa policy, many tourists have transitioned from first-time visitors to regular revisitors, broadening their travels from major cities such as Beijing and Shanghai to more off-the-beaten-path destinations.

　　“Waking up in a sleeper car and taking in the stunning views of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau was unforgettable,“ said Belgian tourists Patrick, Luc and Ingrid, reflecting on their journey aboard the tourism train in China's Xizang Autonomous Region.

　　“The more we explore China, the more we're captivated by its allure,“ they added. “Once you've been, you're eager to come back. We're excited to discover more and deepen our understanding of Chinese culture.“

　　Foreign tourists fill out entry registration cards at the Shanghai Pudong International Airport in Shanghai, east China, Jan. 26, 2025. (Xinhua/Tang Siqi)

　　LONG-TERM BENEFITS

　　Far from being a “failure,“ the policy has clearly spurred cross-border economic activity, as shown by the People's Bank of China's latest findings. During the 2024 Chinese New Year holiday, which ran from Jan. 28 to Feb. 4, international tourist transactions saw a dramatic rise.

　　The total number of cross-border transactions processed by China UnionPay and NetsUnion Clearing Corporation increased 124.54 percent, and the total transaction value grew 90.49 percent.