Manzhouli: On Oct. 1, marking the start of China's eight-day National Day holiday, 70-year-old Nikolayev from Russia crossed the border into the north Chinese city of Manzhouli in Inner Mongolia. "This is my birthday gift to myself," Nikolayev expressed with enthusiasm as he entered China, taking advantage of the new visa-free policy for Russian citizens.

According to Namibia Press Agency, China's National Immigration Administration (NIA) has expanded visa-free travel options, allowing tourists from 76 countries to enter China without a visa, and offering transit exemptions for citizens from 55 countries, including the United States and Canada. This policy permits a visa-free stay for up to 10 days while transiting to a third country. The policy has encouraged many, like Nikolayev, to visit China during this festive period.

Chongqing Municipality, in southwest China, has become a hotspot for international tourists. Earlier this year, the city gained worldwide attention when U.S. influencer IShowSpeed broadcasted live from there to an audience of over 10 million, dubbing it a "cyber city." Official data reveals an 82.48 percent increase in tourist arrivals from January to August. Antonio, a visitor from Spain, was particularly captivated by the unique monorail system cutting through apartment buildings, a sight he eagerly documented during his visit.

While Chongqing dazzles with its modernity, Shanxi Province in the north offers a contrasting experience with its historic wooden pagodas and temples. The province's allure has grown, partly due to the success of the video game Black Myth: Wukong, inspired by the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West. In Taiyuan City, Spanish tourist Sergio was warmly welcomed with a mooncake and cultural brochure by immigration officers, a gesture celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival. Sergio was particularly interested in the Xiaoxitian Temple in Xi County, renowned for its 400-year-old suspended sculptures.

Official data indicates that Xi County received over 93,000 visitors from Oct. 1 to 7, equivalent to its entire population. During the overlapping National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holidays, China anticipates an average of 2 million daily border crossings, reflecting the surge in international interest spurred by the visa policy changes.