Visitors pour in as eased visa rules work their magic

The number of foreigners coming to China visa-free rose significantly in the first six months of the year as the country continued to open its doors wider for international travellers.

- By WANG QINGYUN

Foreign nationals made 13.6 million visa-free entries into the country in the period, 54 per cent more than in the corresponding period last year, the National Immigration Administration said.

These trips accounted for 71 per cent of all entries by foreign nationals in the first half of the year, it said.

During the first six months the number of entries and exits by foreign nationals into and from China totalled 38 million, 30 per cent more than in the corresponding period last year.

This year China has relaxed rules on entry into the country to attract more foreign visitors.