China Travel News: May 2024

The Chinese government has extended visa-free travel for citizens of 12 countries until December 31, 2025.

Citizens of Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Spain, and Switzerland can enter China without a visa for stays up to 15 days.

China has officially launched its first direct passenger route to Latin America, with no stopovers.

Operated by China Southern Airlines, the new biweekly flight from Shenzhen to Mexico City spans over 14,000 kilometers. This makes it China’s longest direct international route and one of the world's top 10 longest flights. The 16-hour journey is significantly more convenient than previous routes, which required multiple transfers or stopovers in Europe, the Middle East, or America and took 30 to 40 hours. This new flight is a game-changer for Latin American travelers, making trips to China easier and more attractive.

The Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, COMAC, is expanding its production facilities in Shanghai to meet the soaring demand for its C919 jets, while also spearheading the development of the new C939 widebody aircraft.

• COMAC is expanding its production facilities in Shanghai to meet the increasing demand for its C919 jets, spurred by significant orders from Air China and China Southern Airlines, each for 100 aircraft. With over 1,000 orders secured to date, the prospect of experiencing this jet during travel in China is on the horizon.
• COMAC is developing the new C939, a widebody aircraft joining its lineup with the ARJ21 and C919. With a capacity for 400 passengers (compared to the C919's just over 190) and a range of 7,000 NM (13,000 kilometers), the C939 aims to challenge long-haul aviation standards. While a prototype has yet to be developed and there's a long journey ahead, COMAC is committed to carving out a space and increasing its share in the long-haul aircraft market.

From May 6-12, Chinese and foreign airlines operated 5,493 scheduled international flights, hitting about 73% of pre-pandemic levels.

Currently, China is connected to 70 countries via international passenger flights, with five new destinations added since the pandemic: Kuwait, Serbia, Tanzania, Luxembourg, and Papua New Guinea.

Moreover, several Chinese airlines have recently launched new international routes between China and other countries:

• Air China initiated the Beijing-Madrid-Sao Paulo route on April 27
• China Southern Airlines started the Shenzhen-Mexico City route on May 11
• Hainan Airlines plans to launch the Shenzhen-Budapest route
• China Southern Airlines will soon open the Guangzhou-Budapest route.

The Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism has announced plans to enhance the cultural and tourism resources of the Great Wall. The bureau aims to upgrade public service facilities along the Great Wall National Scenic Route and introduce new tourist routes that highlight the Wall's historical significance. Additionally, the bureau plans to develop premium homestays that integrate the protection of the Great Wall with rural revitalization, offering tourists unique cultural and historical experiences while supporting local communities.