Xiamen Tours,Unique Charm Welcomes International Visitors
As “#ChinaTravel” trends across social media, becoming a “traffic goldmine” for foreign influencers, how does Xiamen (“Egret Island”) stand out to become a top entry port for international travelers? What fuels the boom in stopover tourism? And how can this viral popularity become sustainable growth? Follow foreign visitors to discover Xiamen’s appeal.
Xiamen’s Full-Throttle Welcome: Unique Experiences Await
Before the 144-hour visa-free transit policy, Felix from Australia never expected to be utterly captivated by Chinese culture.
“Walking along the lake, I found it incredibly clean, with so many people exercising in the nearby parks… it’s so relaxing,” said Felix, one of the many foreigners recently spotted by Yundang Lake. “It’s my first time in China. I chose Xiamen as my transit city to meet a friend before traveling to Korea.” Felix used the 144-hour visa-free transit to start his 6-day “China Discovery” from Xiamen.
This inbound tourism surge is closely linked to China’s recent visa facilitation policies. The National Immigration Administration expanded the 144-hour visa-free transit policy to 37 ports, including Xiamen. Citizens from 54 countries (including the US, Canada, UK, and Australia) holding valid travel documents and confirmed onward tickets within 144 hours can transit through these ports to a third country/region, engaging in short-term activities like tourism, business, or visiting relatives.
Felix’s itinerary includes Yundang Lake’s popular “Bar Street” frequented by expats, Xiamen’s iconic coastal Ring Road and Coconut Grove, plus foodie havens like Zhongshan Road and Kaihe Road. “Xiamen is so happening!” he exclaimed, using the trending Chinese phrase “好City啊!” (Hǎo City a!) to capture his first impression.
According to the China Tourism Academy’s inbound tourist satisfaction survey, over 60% of respondents cited “experiencing Chinese culture” as their primary travel motivation.
Explosive Growth: Why “China Travel” is Booming
With inbound orders multiplying and “#ChinaTravel” videos exceeding billions of views globally, what explains the phenomenon?
A key driver is China’s expanding visa-free “circle of friends” and streamlined entry procedures.
At Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport – many visitors’ first stop in China – flight information flashes on digital screens. Foreign passengers queue efficiently at dedicated immigration lanes.
Laura, just off her flight, held her Temporary Entry Card, heading to the 144-hour Visa-Free Transit application area. Transiting from the US to the Philippines via Xiamen, she cleared immigration in just 10 minutes.
“This isn’t my first time in China, but it’s my first using the 144-hour transit policy. It’s incredibly convenient and saves so much time,” Laura remarked.
Xiamen’s Welcome: Efficiency Meets Local Flavor
“To enhance entry convenience, we set up dedicated lanes for foreign nationals and launched the ‘Foreigner Arrival Card E-Fill System’,” explained Chen Jinlai, Deputy Director of Gaoqi Immigration Checkpoint. “Travelers can pre-fill information online and print the card instantly at the terminal. Clearance takes as little as 5 minutes.”
Additionally, the checkpoint deployed the “Tongxin Multilingual Volunteer Team,” offering assistance in 10 languages including English, French, German, Spanish, and Korean. Cultural welcomes add local flavor: the Culture and Tourism Department often greets arrivals at the exit with performances of traditional Nanyin music.
As a major port city, Xiamen offers 144-hour visa-free transit entry via Gaoqi Airport, Wutong Ferry Terminal, or the International Cruise Center. Departures can also choose any of these three ports, enabling seamless “sea-air transfer” journeys.
From dedicated immigration channels and multilingual support to cultural welcomes and flexible port options, Xiamen is pulling out all the stops with its unique, efficient, and hospitable welcome for global travelers.
