The most comfortable travel techniques : Chimelong Safari Par

🔴Chimelong Safari Park boasts two entrances: the North Gate and the South Gate. Many travel guides recommend the North Gate, resulting in long queues for the tram ride, often exceeding 1 hour. 🚨 However, local insiders advise that during peak seasons, entering through the South Gate is the key to a hassle-free experience. The tram and cable car 🚠 queues are virtually non-existent, ensuring a fantastic visit! 😍 We arrived at 10:30 AM and comfortably finished our tour by 5 PM.

🔴Peak Season Itinerary
South Gate Entrance ➡️ Flamingos ➡️ Panda Paradise Cable Car Station 🚠 ➡️ Panda Village ➡️ Cute, Charming, Cool Zone ➡️ Elephants, Koala Enclosure ➡️ Giraffe Park, White Tiger Hill ➡️ Tram Ride ➡️ Green Dragon Mountain

🔴Detailed Strategy
0️⃣ South Gate Entry: Smooth entry at 10:30 AM (aim for 9:30 AM if possible). You can bring bread 🥯, but no instant noodles or self-heating meals.
1️⃣ Flamingos 🦩
Take the peaceful Flamingo Trail, then head straight for the cable car 🚠.
2️⃣ Panda Paradise Cable Car Station 🚠
Boarded after a 5-minute wait. Choose the loop route (circumnavigates the entire park) for a 30-minute scenic ride over lakes and animals. Each car seats 8. Afterward, enjoy a snack at Panda Restaurant (meals are average and pricey).
3️⃣ Panda Village
The pandas lounging on ice blocks were adorable but lethargic due to the heat.
4️⃣ Cute, Charming, Cool Zone
Don’t miss the 4D movie 🎬 – seats are ample, and it’s thrilling (mildly scary for timid kids). Follow with kid-friendly rides.
5️⃣ Elephants 🐘 & Koala Enclosure 🦥
Observe elephants at play; the 3 PM show is entertaining. The koalas are all charming.
6️⃣ Giraffe Park 🦒 & White Tiger Hill 🐯
Spend ¥30 on a branch to feed giraffes (tear into small pieces). Catch the white tigers diving – shows every 30 minutes.
7️⃣ Tram Ride 🚂
A highlight: almost no queue, snag the front-right seat for optimal animal views. The 40-minute ride passes lions, bears, and more, though our little one dozed off.
8️⃣ Green Dragon Mountain 🦕
Features a Dinosaur Park, gorillas, and a snake exhibit (not for the faint-hearted). The dinosaurs are lifelike, moving, and vocal.

Exited around 5 PM, pleased despite the summer heat. Zero queues and ample time to explore.

⚠️Tips:
❶ Bring a stroller! 👶 We rented one online the night before for ¥75/day (cheaper than in-park options).
❷ A full-day visit is doable, but comfortable shoes are essential for navigating the vast park. Safari Par

 

Guangdong Customs Museum to listen to the passing of the bell

Stepping over the threshold, the century-long vicissitudes of Guangdong Customs House gradually unfold. Rich historical relics, precious pictures, vivid sculptures, and realistic scene restorations jointly weave a series of historical paintings, making people feel as if they were there. Here, Guangzhou, as an important node on the Maritime Silk Road, its prosperity and contributions are vividly presented. Moreover, experiencing that old traction elevator is a journey through time and space, allowing people to perceive the past prosperity and changes of Guangzhou through whispers of history. The following is a detailed elaboration on the origin of Guangdong Customs House:

I. Background of Establishment

  • Lifting of the Maritime Prohibitions: During the early Qing Dynasty, the government implemented strict maritime prohibitions to restrict overseas trade. However, with the recovery of the domestic economy and the growing demand for foreign trade, the Qing government began to consider lifting the maritime prohibitions to promote economic development and increase fiscal revenue.
  • Demand for Foreign Trade: In the 24th year of the Kangxi reign (1685), the Qing government announced the “clearance of maritime unrest,” officially opening up trade with the sea and establishing four customs houses in Guangdong, Fujian, Zhejiang, and Jiangsu to meet the increasing demand for foreign trade.

II. Establishment Process

  • Official Establishment: In the 24th year of the Kangxi reign (1685), the Canton Customs was officially established in Guangzhou, becoming one of the four major customs houses in China at that time. The establishment of the Canton Customs marked the official opening of foreign trade by the Qing government and the establishment of customs houses to manage and regulate foreign trade activities.

III. Historical Status and Influence

  • Large Business Volume: Since its establishment, the Canton Customs has consistently ranked first among the four customs houses in terms of business volume. The prosperous foreign trade activities within its jurisdiction brought significant fiscal revenue to the Qing government.
  • Improvement of Management System: With the development of foreign trade, the Canton Customs gradually improved its management system and tariff system. The “Canton Customs Tariff,” as the first customs tariff in China’s history, had a profound impact on the formulation of subsequent customs tariffs.
  • Historical Changes: The establishment and development of the Canton Customs condensed the economic, social, and foreign trade developments and changes of the Guangzhou port, and recorded the arduous entrepreneurial struggle and exploration of the customs. In the history of China’s customs development, the Canton Customs played an important role.

Yongqingfang – A Tourist Attraction Combining Guangzhou’s Rich Historical Heritage and Modern Vibes

Guangzhou’s Yongqingfang is a tourist attraction imbued with rich historical heritage and modern flair, located in the heart of Xiguan Enning Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou. With a total land area of 113,700 square meters, Yongqingfang offers a unique blend of old and new.

Location and Historical Background

  • Location: Yongqingfang sits in the historical and cultural preservation zone of Enning Road, Xiguan, Liwan District, Guangzhou. It is connected to the famous Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street to the east, borders Duobao Road to the north, and adjoins Enning Road on both its west and south sides.
  • History: Tracing back to the Ming Dynasty, Yongqingfang was once a gathering place for wealthy merchants in Guangzhou. As time passed, it fell into disrepair but has since been revitalized through extensive protection and renovation efforts by the Guangzhou Municipal Government. Today, it stands as a testament to the city’s rich history and a vibrant hub of culture, art, and fashion.

Distinctive Features

  1. Architectural Charm:
    • Yongqingfang boasts a wealth of ancient buildings dating back to the Ming and Qing Dynasties, featuring a distinct Lingnan (Southern Guangdong) style with a harmonious blend of Chinese and Western elements. Brick houses, sliding doors (Tanglong doors), lattice windows (Manchu windows), and cobblestone paths are all carefully preserved and restored.
    • The area is also renowned for its well-preserved arcade buildings (Qilou), forming one of Guangzhou’s most intact arcade building clusters. These structures not only possess historical significance but also showcase the unique urban landscape of Guangzhou.
  1. Cultural Elements:
    • Yongqingfang encapsulates various cultural elements of Xiguan customs, arcade buildings, Lingnan opera, and more, making it a prime destination for experiencing the essence of Lingnan culture.
    • Within the precincts, visitors can find cultural attractions such as the Cantonese Opera Art Museum and the Exhibition Hall of “Three Carvings, One Color, and One Embroidery,” offering immersive cultural experiences.
  1. Creative Industries:
    • Beyond preserving traditional Cantonese lifestyle, Yongqingfang has embraced creative industries, transforming into a melting pot of new and old cultures. Underneath the quaint facades, one can discover trendy art exhibitions, personalized fashion boutiques, and more.
    • Regular cultural events like youth innovation markets and intangible cultural heritage demonstrations further enrich visitors’ experiences.

Travel Experience

Strolling through Yongqingfang, visitors are treated to a rich tapestry of historical culture and Lingnan charm. They can wander along cobblestone paths, admire the ancient architecture, and admire exquisite art pieces. Tasting authentic Cantonese snacks like Shawan Oil Dumplings and Pantang Water Chestnut Cake adds to the authentic local flavor. Moreover, cultural experiences like watching Cantonese opera performances and participating in intangible cultural heritage workshops deepen one’s understanding of Lingnan culture.

Future Prospects

As the government strengthens its commitment to preserving traditional culture and citizens’ cultural confidence grows, Yongqingfang is poised for further development. Existing cultural heritage is being meticulously maintained, while its contemporary value is being explored, positioning this ancient alleyway as a vital driver of regional tourism. Moving forward, Yongqingfang will continue to shine as a cultural tourism icon of Guangzhou and even China.

Latest news: Hainan welcomes the first batch of 144-hour visa-free visitors

The implementation of Hainan’s 144-hour visa-free policy for foreign tourist groups from Hong Kong and Macao is a far-reaching initiative that not only injects new vitality into Hainan’s tourism industry but also builds a more convenient bridge for interconnectivity between China and the world.

Boosting Tourism Development

The most direct impact of this policy is to promote the prosperity of Hainan’s tourism industry. For a long time, Hainan has attracted a large number of domestic and foreign tourists with its unique natural scenery, abundant tourism resources, and positioning as an international tourism and consumption center. The introduction of the visa-free policy further opens Hainan’s tourism market to the world, especially through Hong Kong and Macao, which serve as international tourism hubs, attracting more tourists from diverse countries to experience Hainan’s charm. The arrival of the Vietnamese family of three marks the official implementation of this policy, laying a solid foundation for the subsequent arrival of more international tourist groups.

Facilitating Travel Plans for Tourists

For tourists, the 144-hour visa-free stay period means they can make more in-depth and flexible travel arrangements in Hainan. Without the cumbersome visa application process, tourists can plan their itineraries more easily, enjoying Hainan’s natural scenery, cultural experiences, shopping, and entertainment among other diversified tourism products. This not only enhances the travel experience for tourists but also strengthens Hainan’s attractiveness as an international tourist destination.

Optimizing Customs Clearance Procedures

The National Immigration Administration has adopted a series of convenience measures, such as allowing travel agencies to declare in advance for expedited customs clearance and permitting travel agency staff to enter ports to pick up and drop off groups, significantly improving the customs clearance efficiency for tourist groups. These measures not only reduce waiting times for tourists at ports but also demonstrate the Chinese government’s determination and actions in enhancing service quality and optimizing the business environment. Additionally, for tourists who need to leave the group and exit the country in advance due to special circumstances, convenience is provided for group separation procedures, ensuring that tourists’ individualized needs are met.

Strengthening Regional Exchanges and Cooperation

The implementation of the new policy not only promotes Hainan’s tourism development but also strengthens exchanges and cooperation between China, Hong Kong, Macao, and the international community. Hainan, as the southernmost province in China, boasts unique geographical advantages and a strategic position at the forefront of opening up. By attracting more international tourists, Hainan can better showcase China’s reform and opening-up achievements and economic and social development accomplishments, enhancing international understanding and awareness of China. At the same time, this will provide new opportunities and platforms for cooperation between Hainan, Hong Kong, Macao, and the international community in tourism, culture, trade, and other fields.

Looking Ahead

With the in-depth implementation and continuous improvement of the new policy, Hainan’s tourism industry is expected to embrace even broader development prospects. The National Immigration Administration will continue to optimize regional visa-free entry policies, advance the institutional opening-up of immigration management, and provide more convenient and efficient services for foreigners coming to China. This will further enhance Hainan’s international reputation and influence, driving the Hainan Free Trade Port to continuously achieve new and greater accomplishments.

Guangdong In-Depth Travel Guide: Traversing History, Seaside and hiking

Guangdong, this vibrant and charming land, awaits every traveler with its rich historical and cultural heritage, unique hot spring resources, enchanting seaside scenery, and magnificent natural wonders. Whether wandering through the alleys of ancient cities, soaking in the warmth of hot springs, strolling along the seaside, or trekking through mountains and forests, every journey is a memorable experience, a spiritual odyssey. Come, embark on this in-depth exploration of Guangdong and embark on a spontaneous journey!

🌟Embark: Traversing the Corridors of History in Guangdong🌟

Embarking from the ancient city of Guangzhou, a land rich in stories, let us first delve into its millennia-old history. Stroll through the European-style architectural complex on Shamian Island, as if transported back in time to the concession era, where every brick and stone whispers tales of past grandeur and vicissitudes. Then, delve deeper into the Nanyue Palace Museum, unveiling the mysteries of the ancient Nanyue Kingdom, beholding the royal splendor of a thousand years ago, and immersing oneself in the profoundness of history and culture.

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🌊Indulge: The Gentle Embrace of the Hot Spring City🌊

Leaving behind the hustle and bustle of the metropolis, drive towards Qingyuan or Conghua, renowned as the “City of Hot Springs.” Here, choose a cozy hot spring resort, allowing your body and mind to unwind completely in the steaming waters. Whether it’s the tranquility of a Japanese-style onsen or the rustic charm of an open-air hot spring nestled amidst the mountains, every breath is a gift from nature, and every soak is a farewell to exhaustion. At night, soak under the starry sky, experiencing a unique serenity.

🏖️Stroll: The Romance and Freedom of the Seaside🏖️

Heading southwards, the endless coastline of Guangdong awaits. Shenzhen’s Dameisha and Xiaomeisha, Zhuhai’s Lovers’ Road, or Shantou’s Nan’ao Island, each is a poetic ode to the seaside. Wade into the soft, powdery sand with bare feet, let the sea breeze caress your face, listen to the sound of waves lapping against the shore, and feel the vastness and freedom that emanate from the ocean. Rent a bicycle and cycle along the coastline, taking in the breathtaking views, or embark on a sea voyage, dancing with seagulls, and embarking on an adventurous island exploration.

 

👣Trek: Exploring the Hidden Wilderness of Nature👣

Guangdong boasts not only seaside vistas but also hidden hiking havens amidst its mountains and waters. Venture into Shaoguan’s Danxia Mountain, ascending along winding mountain trails, where you’ll discover nature’s masterpiece—the red cliff faces, immersing yourself in a vibrant landscape akin to a painted scroll. Or, delve into the primeval forest of Dinghu Mountain in Zhaoqing, breathing in fresh air, listening to the symphony of birds and insects, and feeling the tranquility and harmony of nature. Hiking is not just a physical challenge but a spiritual cleansing, allowing one to find inner peace and strength amidst nature’s embrace.

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Sandstone Danxia Wonders, Breathtaking Scenery – A Journey to Danxia Mountain

Nestled in the embrace of Lingnan, lies a natural treasure that captivates the hearts of travelers – Shaoguan’s Danxia Mountain, a masterpiece carved by nature over millions of years, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a dreamland sought after by countless wanderers. Embark on an impulsive adventure and let us stroll through this vibrant tapestry of Danxia’s breathtaking scenery.

🌟 Danxia Wonders, Stirring Souls
Renowned for its unique topography, Danxia Mountain is a magical realm crafted from red sandstone. Peaks stand tall like forests, their hues resembling vivid crimson, shimmering like dawn’s glow. It seems as if Mother Nature’s most passionate brushstrokes have outlined a series of majestic landscapes. Each step taken amidst this panorama turns into a scene, every scene a poem, leaving one in awe of nature’s divine craftsmanship.

🌄 Sunrise Amid Cloud Sea, A Heavenly Realm
As dawn breaks, the first rays of sunlight pierce through the clouds, bathing the peaks of Danxia Mountain in a golden aura. Standing atop the viewing platform, one gazes upon the interplay between rolling clouds and towering mountains, a moment where time stands still, and the soul finds unprecedented tranquility and purification.

🌌 Zen Temples, Tracing History
Beyond its captivating natural beauty, Danxia Mountain also embodies profound cultural depths. The chimes of ancient temples echo gently through the valleys, adding a touch of mystery and solemnity to this enchanted land. A visit to Jinshiyan Temple immerses one in the serenity and tranquility of a thousand-year-old monastery, allowing the soul to ascend amidst the curling incense smoke.

 

🏞️ Trekking Adventures, Embracing Nature
Danxia Mountain is not just a spectacle for the eyes; it’s a haven for hiking enthusiasts. Traverse winding mountain trails amidst peculiar rocks and peaks, where every breath is filled with fresh air, and every halt reveals new wonders. Whether challenging the steep inclines of Yangyuan Rock and Changlao Peak or strolling leisurely along the banks of the Jinjiang River, one deeply experiences the harmony of being one with nature.

🌈 Conclusion
Danxia Mountain, a place where once visited, one never wishes to leave. Here, you can shed the hustle and bustle of the city,explore the grandeur of nature and savor the profoundness of culture. Give yourself the chance to embark on an impulsive journey to Danxia, and let your soul soar freely over this magical terrain.

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Discover the Wonders of Nature: A Journey to the Magnificent Baishuizhai Waterfall

Nestled on the fringes of bustling cities, lies a serene and enchanting haven—Baishuizhai Waterfall, a living tapestry of rolling mountains and flowing waters that whispers tales of nature’s exquisite craftsmanship and timeless tranquility.

🌟 Step into Fairyland, Embrace an Earthly Paradise

As you enter Baishuizhai, it’s as if you’ve traversed a portal, instantly distancing yourself from the hustle and bustle. Treading along the winding mountain paths, each step resonates with the rhythm of nature, while your breaths are filled with the freshness of air and the fragrance of earth. Lifting your gaze, the White Fairy Waterfall cascades down the cliff, akin to a silvery river pouring from the heavens, its grandeur inspiring awe.

🌊 Marvel at the Falls, Embark on a Journey That Touches the Soul

The White Fairy Waterfall, with its staggering 428.5-meter drop, is hailed as “the waterfall with the greatest height difference in Mainland China,” the very soul of Baishuizhai and a treasure bestowed upon this land by nature. Standing on the viewing platform, the cool mist envelops you, and the roaring water sounds like celestial music, cleansing the dust from your heart and immersing you in a world of forgetfulness and bliss.

🌳 Embrace the Green, Indulge in an Ecological Feast

Beyond the falls’ grandeur, Baishuizhai boasts vast virgin forests and abundant ecological resources. Strolling along the forest trails, you’ll be surrounded by lush greenery, birdsong, and the fragrance of flowers, as if you’ve stepped into a giant natural oxygen bar. Here, you can observe rare plants up close, listen to the birds’ joyous melodies, and feel the harmony of nature’s coexistence.

👣 Challenge Yourself, Ascend the Tiannan First Steps

If you seek adventure and self-challenge, embark on the “Tiannan First Steps,” a 6.6-kilometer hiking trail adorned with multiple viewing platforms and waterfall touchpoints. Each step reveals new wonders, and when you reach the summit, overlooking the entire Baishuizhai scenic area, the sense of accomplishment and satisfaction will be indescribable.

🍽️ Savor Delicacies, Indulge Your Taste Buds

No journey is complete without the company of good food. In Baishuizhai, indulge in authentic farm-to-table cuisine and local snacks. Dishes like the ancient-style Shuizhai Roast Chicken and Bamboo Rice, with their unique cooking methods and delicious flavors, will satisfy both your eyes and palate during this visual feast.

📸 Capture the Moments, Preserve Eternal Memories

Lastly, don’t forget to capture these precious instants with your camera. Whether it’s the falls’ magnificence, the forest’s serenity, or the joy of reaching the summit, they will all become invaluable memories from your journey.

Come, let us embark on a spontaneous adventure to Baishuizhai Waterfall, exploring the wonders and beauty hidden within nature’s embrace!

                                                                                                                   pic copy by xiaohongshu

CONGHUA Hot Spring Travel Tips

CONGHUA Hot Springs, also known as LIUXI River Hot Springs, is located in CONGHUA Hot Springs Town, northeast of GUANGZHOU, about 75 kilometers away from GUANGZHOU, and is a well-known scenic spot and healing resort. It is not only rich in natural scenery, but also has many quality hot spring resorts and cuisines, making it an excellent choice for leisure vacations and healing and resting. Here is a detailed travel guide of CONGHUA Hot Spring to help you fully experience this beautiful country.

I. Major Attractions

1. South Calm Cultivation Town of CONGHUA

Hidden among bamboo forests and fruit trees, the South Calm Cultivation Town is supported by Fenghuang Mountain and embraced by Fenghuang River, with a forest coverage rate of 97%. It combines mountains, springs, forests, streams and rocks into a natural ecological landscape, which is a good place to relax. Walking along the Fengxi Trail, listening to the sound of tinkling spring water and feeling the cool air is very pleasant. Landscape nodes such as Phoenix Spreading Wings, Twin Bridges Hui and Cultural Square in the town incorporate elements of Nanping culture, and meet the diverse needs of visitors with leisure facilities such as ancient pavilions and coffee houses.

2. Shimen National Forest Park

Shimen National Forest Park is the most popular photo spot in Guangdong, known as “GUANGZHOU Xiangshan”. The park has 96.76% forest coverage, and December is the best time to see the red leaves of Shimen, which cover more than 3,000 acres, mainly maple trees, mountain sebifer trees and maple trees, which sway in the wind under the sunlight, making it picturesque and beautiful. In addition, the park also has natural landscapes such as the highest peak in GUANGZHOU, Paradise Peak, which is a paradise for hiking enthusiasts.

3. Hot Spring Waterfall

Located on the rocky cliff of Toujia Mountain, the Hot Spring Waterfall is divided into five levels, which are majestic and known as Baizhang Waterfall, Flying Rainbow Waterfall and Fragrant Powder Waterfall. The waterfall is filled with water mist, and when the sunlight shines, it forms a colorful rainbow, which is breathtaking. Around the waterfall, there are also Cuicui Pavilion, Spring Pavilion, Qingyin Pavilion and other humanistic landscapes, suitable for tourists to stop to watch and rest.

Second, the hot spring resort recommended

1. Guangdong Hot Spring Hotel

Guangdong Hot Spring Hotel is a Chinese garden style hot spring resort, by the mountain and water, pleasant environment. It has received party and state leaders such as Mao Zedong, Liu Shaoqi and Zhou Enlai, as well as foreign heads of state. The hotel has 500 beds, with baking soda hot spring water supplied directly to the guest rooms 24 hours a day, equipped with open-air hot spring, health garden, art gallery, tennis, table tennis, indoor hot spring swimming pool and other health, entertainment and recreation facilities.

2. Bishuiwan Hot Spring Resort

Bishuiwan Hot Spring Resort is a luxury resort located on the bank of LIUXI River in CONGHUA LIUXI Hot Spring Tourist Resort. The resort is equipped with large open-air hot springs, swimming pools, soccer fields and other facilities where visitors can enjoy the hot springs and leisure time. The resort’s service staff is warm and attentive, making it a good place to relax.

3. St. Tory Spa Manor

St. Tory Spa Manor is unique in the Greek Aegean Sea, with more than 50 hot spring pools of different sizes and a large outdoor swimming pool with an area of more than 1,000 square meters. The hot spring water in the Manor is rich in more than twenty kinds of minerals and trace elements that are beneficial to the human body, with health care and health effects. The unique architectural style of the mansion brings exotic tastes for visitors to enjoy.

4. Henleston Spa Hotel

Located at the entrance of CONGHUA Hot Spring Tourist Resort, Henleston Hot Spring Hotel is a hot spring health hotel. The hotel is equipped with special lobby bar, health spa pool, garden swimming pool, recreational spa, catering, conference and movie facilities to meet the needs of different tourists. Some of the rooms are equipped with private hot spring soaking pools, making the concept of comfortable living more profound.

C. Culinary Recommendations

1. Hot Spring Raw Egg

Hot Spring Raw Egg is one of the specialties of CONGHUA Hot Spring. Boiled in just the right amount of hot spring water, the egg is smooth, tender and melts in your mouth. It is delicious when served with black truffle mushrooms and vegetable salad.

2. Hot Spring Chicken

Pepper Hot Spring Chicken is made from Lai Yuen’s free-range chickens with firm and tender meat. After being cooked in hot spring water at 67.5°, the skin of the chicken is tender and crispy, and the meat is tender and full of flavor, making it unforgettable.

Why do foreigners like Guangzhou so much?

Guangzhou is the third most popular city among foreigners in China. The reasons for this are varied and profound, which are mainly reflected in the following aspects:

1. Unique geographical advantages

Proximity to Hong Kong: Guangzhou as the closest big city to Hong Kong, the two in the language, culture, economy and other aspects of the high degree of compatibility, looking back at history, the rise of Hong Kong as the financial center of Asia, when the mainland has not yet opened up, Guangzhou and Hong Kong and Macao to cooperate, drive foreign trade, because of the development of cooperation on the formation of the “Hong Kong and Macao Province,” the title, Hong Kong and Macao is Hong Kong, Hong Kong and Macao are Hong Kong and Macao. Many people refer to Guangzhou as the “provincial city”, where the word “province” refers to Guangzhou rather than Guangdong province. This geographical proximity allows foreigners living in Guangzhou to quickly adapt to the environment and feel similar to that of Hong Kong.

2. Language Advantages

International influence of Cantonese: Cantonese is widely spoken not only in Guangdong and Hong Kong, but also in Southeast Asia and North America. This linguistic commonality has attracted a large number of Cantonese-speaking expatriates to Guangzhou, as well as promoting cultural exchange and integration.

Inclusiveness of the linguistic environment: As an international metropolis, Guangzhou provides a good environment for people with different language backgrounds to communicate, as foreign languages such as English are widely spoken in addition to Cantonese. Many overseas Chinese communities use Cantonese as their common language.On the streets of Guangzhou, you can also find foreigners negotiating with vendors in Cantonese. As soon as a foreigner speaks Cantonese, he or she immediately enters the Guangzhou City Life Channel.

3. Advantages of trade, transport and logistics

Deep history of foreign trade: Guangzhou has been an important port for China’s foreign trade since ancient times. Modern Guangzhou is the window and forefront of China’s foreign trade, with a perfect business system and logistics network. As one of the starting points of the ancient Maritime Silk Road, Guangzhou as early as in the Tang Dynasty, in the area of today’s Gwangtar Road set up a community for foreigners (mainly Arabs and Persians) to live in the overseas – “Fanfang”, the river sails, merchant ships not far from thousands of miles across the sea and come; beads, silk and other products. The wholesale market was bustling with merchants and emissaries from all over the world, piling up mountains of pearls, silk, ceramics, tea and spices.

Influence of the Canton Fair: As the largest comprehensive international trade event in China, the Canton Fair not only attracts merchants and buyers from all over the world, but also enhances Guangzhou’s reputation and influence in the international arena.

4. Rich cultural heritage

Historical and cultural city: Guangzhou is a national historical and cultural city with a rich historical and cultural heritage and a profound cultural heritage. This cultural accumulation not only adds a unique charm to Guangzhou, but also provides a window for expatriates to understand and experience Chinese culture.

Open and tolerant cultural atmosphere: Guangzhou has been a place where Chinese and foreign cultures have mixed since ancient times, forming a unique Guangfu culture. This open and tolerant cultural atmosphere has enabled Guangzhou to attract foreigners from different cultural backgrounds to settle and develop.

5. Culinary advantages

The reputation of “Guangzhou Food”: Guangzhou is famous for its unique flavors and rich variety of food, which attracts countless diners to come and taste. This gastronomic advantage not only brings economic benefits to Guangzhou, but also enhances its international popularity and attractiveness.

Prosperous development of the catering industry: Guangzhou’s catering industry has been developing strongly, with a growing number of newly registered businesses, providing a wealth of dining options for expatriates. At the same time, the prosperity of the catering industry has also led to the overall development of the accommodation and catering industry.

To sum up, Guangzhou has become the third city in China that foreigners are keen on because of its unique geographic advantages, language advantages, advantages in commerce, transportation and logistics, rich cultural heritage as well as culinary advantages and other factors. These factors are intertwined and mutually reinforcing, and together they constitute Guangzhou’s unique urban charm and attractiveness.

China expands visa-free transit policy to more ports

BEIJING, July 15 — China’s National Immigration Administration (NIA) announced on Monday that the country’s 144-hour visa-free transit policy has been expanded to three more entry ports, taking the number of ports covered by the policy to 37.

The three new ports are Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport in central China’s Henan Province, Lijiang Sanyi International Airport in southwest China’s Yunnan Province, and the Mohan railway port in Yunnan, the administration said in a statement.

Starting from Monday, eligible foreign nationals can enter China through Zhengzhou aviation port visa-free, with the stay limited within Henan Province. Also, people entering Yunnan visa-free are allowed to stay in more areas of the province. Previously, they could only stay in Kunming whereas now, they can visit nine city or prefecture-level areas including Kunming, Lijiang, Dali and Xishuangbanna, according to the NIA.

The two provinces both boast rich tourist resources.

Henan, where many ancient dynasties had established their capitals, is home to sites of great historical interest including the Shaolin Temple and the Longmen Grottoes.

Yunnan boasts multiple UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the Old Town of Lijiang and the Hani rice terraces. It is also home to over 20 ethnic groups.

At present, foreign nationals from 54 countries such as the United States, Canada, and Britain are eligible for the 144-hour visa-free policy for purpose of short-term activities such as travel and business visits.

The NIA statement said the expansion of the visa-free policy is expected to provide more choices for foreign nationals traveling and doing business in China.

It said the 72/144-hour visa-free transit policy has played an important role in the country’s high-level opening-up, facilitating the exchange of people between China and other countries, and promoting exchanges and cooperation. It pledged to continue to improve and optimize the policy and welcome foreign visitors with a more open mind.

The NIA said earlier this month that China had recorded 14.64 million inbound trips made by foreigners in the first half of this year, up 152.7 percent year on year. Among them, 8.54 million entered China visa-free, accounting for 52 percent of the inbound trips and representing a year-on-year surge of 190.1 percent.

In addition to the expanded visa-free policies, China has also launched a series of other measures to facilitate the entry of foreign nationals and their stay in China, including relaxed visa application requirements and simplified procedures, exemption of border checks for certain transit passengers and more convenient mobile payment for foreigners.

The NIA expects the number of foreigners visiting China to continue to rise in the second half of this year.

As measures are making visits to China increasingly easier, the country has become a popular destination for overseas tourists. With more people posting their travel experiences in China on social media, “China Travel” has become a top trending search term on multiple global social media platforms.

China will continue to embrace the world with open arms, inject new dynamism into the world through its development and create more energy and enthusiasm for people-to-people exchanges, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said last week.

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