A foreigner films the lion dance performance at a temple fair in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 17, 2026. (Xinhua/Chen Zhonghao)

　　Two years after China substantially expanded its visa-free entry policies, "China travel" remains a powerful draw for global explorers. And during the country"s most important traditional holiday, the Spring Festival, that appeal deepens.

　　For many visitors, the celebration offers not just a trip, but an intimate encounter with an ancient civilization in its most festive and heartfelt moment.

　　In the early hours of Chinese New Year"s Eve, three flights from Russia touched down in Sanya, south China"s Hainan Province, bringing over 570 international visitors to the tropical coastal resort.

　　At the immigration checkpoint, queues moved fast as officers processed travelers efficiently. "It"s such a delight to travel here visa-free and relax. Everything is so efficient and everyone is smiling," said Tamara, one of the travelers.

　　From the southern island province of Hainan to the northernmost province of Heilongjiang, a growing number of foreign tourists are choosing to visit China during the Spring Festival -- not only to sightsee but also to join in the festivities.

　　In Shanghai, foreign visitors can join specially designed Spring Festival citywalks in the downtown area. Along the way, they can try their hand at calligraphy by writing spring couplets, dress in traditional Chinese attire, and learn to make local-style wontons.

　　"My grandpa is from Shanghai, and I"m very excited to kind of get back to my roots a little bit," said Grace Schenkel from the United States. "I am excited to make my own dumplings, and I can"t wait to show the videos to him."