China Travel News: October 2024

TUI BLUE, the leisure hotel brand from a leading tourism group, is expanding in Asia with its debut in China, following successful openings in Thailand and Vietnam. The brand is celebrating this milestone with three new hotels: TUI BLUE Wusongkou Cruise Port in Shanghai, TUI BLUE Taicang near the picturesque Tianjing Lake, and TUI BLUE Yangshuo Xiangheli in Guilin, known for its stunning karst landscapes. With these new openings, it’s thrilling to see the increasing range of accommodation options available in China.

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has partnered with its long-time Chinese partner, CR Land to expand its brand footprint across China. As part of this collaboration, six existing Mumian hotels in Beijing, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Hangzhou, and Rizhao will be rebranded under either The Unbound Collection or JdV by Hyatt. Additionally, two new Mumian properties in Shaoxing and Shanghai, originally planned for a 2025 launch, will follow the same rebranding process. This partnership also includes new projects, such as the development of Park Hyatt Xi’an and Andaz Dongguan, further strengthening Hyatt’s presence in China.

Air China’s first Comac C919 aircraft officially entered service with its maiden flight, traveling from Beijing to Shanghai. This marks an exciting milestone as Air China becomes one of the first airlines to operate China’s domestically produced commercial jet. The Comac C919 is part of Air China’s order of 100 aircrafts, representing the country's ambition to reduce reliance on foreign-made planes and boost its aviation industry. Onboard, the aircraft is equipped with 8 business class and 150 economy class seats, providing ample space for passengers. The cabin’s "Phoenix Soaring" interior design enhances comfort, featuring adjustable headrests, USB-C and USB-A charging ports, personal reading lights, and multi-layer storage pockets. With the debut of the ComacC919, Air China is taking a bold step forward, marking an exciting new chapter for the airline and China’s aviation industry.

UCCA has opened its fourth museum, UCCA Clay, in Yixing, Jiangsu Province, marking a major milestone in its expansion across China. This new addition joins UCCA’s flagship in Beijing, UCCA Dune in Beidaihe, and UCCA Edge in Shanghai, becoming Yixing’s first contemporary art museum.

Located in the heart of the newly revitalized Ceramic Factory No. 2 Cultural District, UCCA Clay was designed by renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. The 2,400-square-meter building, with its hand-fired terracotta facade, pays homage to Yixing’s famous zisha, or purple clay. UCCA Clay’s inaugural exhibition, “The Ways of Clay,” presents 69 ceramic works from 17 countries, transforming traditional ceramics through innovative, modern interpretations.

In Q3 2024, China welcomed 8.19 million foreign visitors, marking a significant 48.8% increase year-on-year. Among these, 4.89 million travelers benefited from the country’s visa-free policy, highlighting the growing interest from eligible travelers in exploring China and demonstrating that the strategy to enhance foreign tourism through visa-free access is effective.

Launched in late 2023, the program now includes 18 EU countries, along with Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, New Zealand, and Australia, making it easier for citizens from these nations to visit China. We are excited to see more and more travelers from these countries exploring the wonders of China!

*China offers visa-free entry to visitors from 24 countries: France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Malaysia, Switzerland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Poland, Greece, Norway, Slovenia, Cyprus, Denmark, Brunei, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore.

Cathay Pacific is extending its complimentary Wi-Fi service, initially offered to First Class passengers since 2022, to business-class travelers across all connected aircraft. Starting in November, Cathay Diamond members will also gain access to complimentary Wi-Fi across all cabins, meaning they can enjoy free Wi-Fi regardless of whether they are flying in First, Business, or Economy Class. This service offers the same functionality as paid options, allowing users to check emails, browse the internet, stream audio, and utilize social media and professional applications. Passengers can connect one device at a time and switch between devices throughout their flight. Over 90% of Cathay Pacific’s fleet, including all long-haul aircraft, is now equipped with Wi-Fi.