China Travel News: September 2024

Exciting news for travelers from Greece, Slovenia, Cyprus, Denmark, Portugal and Norway! China is extending visa-free entry to citizens from these countries for stays of up to 15 days, applicable for tourism, trade, family visits, or transit.

With this expansion, China now offers visa-free entry to visitors from 21 EU nations, including France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Malaysia, Switzerland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Poland, Australia, and New Zealand. Greece, Norway, and Slovenia are the latest to join this growing list.

Starting this month, international visitors in Beijing can use MasterCard and Visa cards issued overseas to pay for rides on the city’s rail transit system. More than 20,000 subway station facilities have been upgraded to support this new payment option, making it easier for travelers compared to the previous method of purchasing tickets with cash or at manual counters.

Beijing will also introduce an international version of the “Yitongxing” app, allowing foreign visitors to register with foreign phone numbers and verify their identities. This app will enable them to use QR codes for travel, improving their experience in the city.

Hyatt has opened its first urban Alila resort in China, situated in the heart of Shanghai’s Jing’an district. Alila Shanghai offers a blend of modern luxury and traditional design, with exclusive access to Zhangyuan, a complex of restored shikumen-style townhouses turned into luxury retail spaces. The hotel’s serene atmosphere contrasts with the lively city beyond.

Alila Shanghai features 186 rooms, including 94 suites, with natural finishes and Shanghai-inspired details. Guests can enjoy Spa Alila, a variety of dining options, and an international wellness focus. With four innovative bars and restaurants, including the flagship Chinese restaurant, 500 Weihai Road, the hotel promises an authentic, farm-to-table dining experience.

Royal Air Maroc (RAM) will resume direct flights between Beijing and Casablanca, starting January 20, 2025. The route, initially introduced in January 2020, was suspended shortly after due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The airline will operate three weekly flights from Casablanca on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, offering a convenient connection between the two countries for business, tourism, and cultural exchange. This route marks an important step in strengthening travel ties between China and Morocco.

United Airlines has resumed its nonstop service from Los Angeles to Shanghai, making it the only U.S. carrier to operate this route. The airline first announced the relaunch in March after suspending flights in 2020 due to the pandemic.

In addition to the LAX-Shanghai route, United also offers flights to Beijing and Shanghai from its San Francisco International Airport hub, enhancing connectivity between the U.S. and key cities in China.

The launch of the popular Tencent game Black Myth: Wukong on August 20 has sparked significant interest in Shanxi Province, known for its ancient architecture. On the game’s launch day, searches for scenic spots in Shanxi skyrocketed by 156%, according to Meituan data.

Based on the classic Chinese tale Journey to the West, the game features breathtaking visuals of real-life locations, including the Hanging Temple and Yungang Grottoes, with 27 out of 36 showcased sites found in Shanxi. This trend highlights Shanxi as a captivating destination for international travelers eager to delve into its rich cultural heritage.