"Fenghuang feels entirely different from big cities," he said. "You can slow down here. You can admire the distinctive stilt houses lining the Tuojiang River and observe local residents in their daily lives."

　　The in-depth county exploration impressed him with the town's authentic living vibe. "This is not merely a tourist attraction. Walking along the river and pausing at street corners makes me feel more than just a passing sightseer."

　　Foreign tourists try specialty food of the Miao ethnic group at the ancient township of Fenghuang in Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, central China's Hunan Province, Oct. 1, 2026. (Photo by Hu Cong/Xinhua)

　　Emma Wilson, an Australian traveler who is exploring small towns and countryside across China, tried on Miao ceremonial costumes in Fenghuang.

　　"It is magical to walk into the old streets, dressed like locals," she said. Shop staff carefully helped her get fitted in the ethnic costume.

　　"A simple landscape photo fades quickly from memory. But putting on traditional clothing, tasting local food and learning the stories behind folk customs create experiences that stay with you far longer," she said.

　　Since December 2023, when China launched a trial policy granting unilateral visa exemptions to visitors from six countries, it has expanded unilateral visa-free entry to travelers from 50 countries as of September, allowing eligible visitors to stay for up to 30 days.

　　In a separate move, authorities extended the visa-free transit period for certain countries from 72 or 144 hours to 240 hours in December 2024. So far the number of eligible countries has increased to 57.