On June 9, 2024, China officially implemented a unilateral visa-free policy for ordinary passport holders from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain, bringing the total number of countries eligible for visa-free entry under this framework to47. This initiative underscores China’s commitment to enhancing international mobility and facilitating tourism and business exchanges.

As a pivotal hub in western China’s opening-up strategy, Chengdu has emerged as a premier destination for inbound tourism, leveraging its cultural heritage, modern infrastructure, and policy innovations to attract global visitors. The city’s integration oftax-refund services,multilingual service systems, anddigital convenience—such as unified mobile platforms for travel, dining, and shopping—has positioned it as a model for China’s inbound tourism development.

Policy Highlights and Implementation:

  1. Real-Time Tax Refunds (即买即退):

In 2024, Sichuan Province launched its firstreal-time tax refund service pointat Chengdu International Finance Square (IFS), embedding duty-free refund counters within commercial complexes. This initiative aligns Chunxi Road’s bustling commercial district with international traveler needs, offering instant tax refunds for eligible purchases and enhancing consumer experience.

  2. Streamlined Payment Systems:

Chengdu has adopted atiered payment ecosystemfor foreign visitors:

      • High-value transactions: Credit/debit card payments.

      • Low-value transactions: QR code scanning via WeChat Pay, Alipay, or UnionPay (with overseas card linkage).

      • Fallback option: Cash services.

For example, at the"Panda House"in Kuanzhai Alley, tourists can seamlessly complete payments by linking their overseas bank cards to local payment apps.

  3. Cultural and Tourism Integration:

During the Dragon Boat Festival holiday, Chengdu witnessed a surge in international visitors seekingfolk cultural experiences,heritage-themed tourism, and"China-chic" (国潮)cultural products. The city’s focus on preserving intangible cultural heritage while promoting innovative tourism formats has garnered global attention.

Chengdu’s Commitment to Internationalization:

Chengdu’s success in inbound tourism stems from its proactive policy adjustments, including:

  • Expanding visa-free access for additional countries.

  • Enhancing multilingual services in public transportation, scenic spots, and commercial zones.

  • Optimizing digital infrastructure for foreign tourists.

The city extends an open invitation to global travelers, academics, and business professionals:"Chengdu awaits your exploration—discover its history, culture, and innovation."