China tourism continues to surge - exclusive interview with Li Huixin, head of China’s tourist office in Budapest
2026-05-11 09:38 环球时报网英文版
Beyond visa policies, a range of supporting measures is further enhancing the inbound travel experience. First, transportation connectivity has improved significantly. Budapest now offers multiple direct flights to various Chinese cities, operated regularly by major airlines including Air China, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, and Hainan Airlines, providing Hungarian travelers with stable and efficient travel options.
Second, the payment environment has been steadily optimized. With the gradual international rollout of mobile payment systems, Hungarian visitors can now enjoy more convenient consumption experiences in China, significantly lowering cross-border payment barriers.
In addition, China has introduced innovative measures such as the "instant tax refund upon purchase" scheme, allowing tourists to receive tax refunds on-site at designated stores and locations without the need to queue at airports, thereby greatly enhancing shopping convenience.
As a result of these combined policy effects, Hungarian interest in traveling to China has risen notably. Director Li pointed out that in the past, visa procedures and perceived distance posed certain barriers for European travelers. However, with the implementation of visa-free policies, both psychological and practical barriers have been reduced, making China feel "closer" to international visitors. During the visa-free stay period, travelers can plan their trips more flexibly and are more likely to make the decision to visit China.
Overall, visa facilitation and the optimization of supporting services are jointly accelerating the recovery of China"s inbound tourism market and injecting new vitality into cultural and people-to-people exchanges between China and Hungary.
II. Four Core Experiences: The Key Appeal of Traveling to China




