ON Friday, a group of 15 tourists from Thailand and Laos wrapped up their four-day trip to Southwest China’s Xishuangbanna Dai autonomous prefecture, boarding the China-Laos Railway for their return journey.
It is the first tour group from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states to travel to the prefecture since China introduced its new visa relaxation policy. Since 10 February, tour groups from ASEAN countries have been allowed to visit Xishuangbanna, a popular tourist destination in Yunnan province, without a visa for up to six days.
China and ASEAN have long been key tourist markets for each other. Official data showed that in 2024, Xishuangbanna received 319,500 overseas visitors, a year-onyear increase of 264.67 per cent. Laos, Thailand and Myanmar were the top contributors.
This visa exemption policy marks the start of a new chapter in cultural exchanges and cooperation between China and ASEAN, said Qi Xiaobo from the Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, adding that it signals China’s dedication to strengthening ties with the regional bloc.
“Still want more,” Somnham Sithone, a Lao tourist in the group, said after visiting Xishuangbanna Virgin Forest Park. He also experienced a 7D movie featuring the Mekong River. “It is a perfect blend of nature and technology. I hope to explore more places in China.”
— Xinhua
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