STORY: China's new visa-free policy for ASEAN tour groups boosts tourism, cultural bonds
SHOOTING TIME: Feb. 18, 2025/File
DATELINE: Feb. 21, 2025
LENGTH: 00:01:47
LOCATION: XISHUANGBANNA, China
CATEGORY: ECONOMY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of tourists from Thailand and Laos
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Lao): SOMNHAM SITHONE, Lao tourist
3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): YU HANLA, Chinese tour guide
4. SOUNDBITE 3 (Chinese): JIANG JIE, Deputy director of culture and tourism bureau of Xishuangbanna

STORYLINE:

On Friday, a group of 15 tourists from Thailand and Laos wrapped up their four-day trip to southwest China's Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, boarding the China-Laos Railway for their return journey.
   
It's the first tour group from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states to travel to the prefecture since China introduced its new visa relaxation policy. 

Since Feb. 10, tour groups from ASEAN countries have been allowed to visit Xishuangbanna, a popular tourist destination in Yunnan Province, without a visa for up to six days.

SOUNDBITE 1 (Lao): SOMNHAM SITHONE, Lao tourist
"We have explored many scenic spots in Xishuangbanna, including the virgin forest park, the peacock garden, and the music fountain. The scenery here is very beautiful, and the local people are friendly and warm."

SOUNDBITE 2 (Chinese): YU HANLA, Chinese tour guide
"Even though they are the first group with visa-free access, coordination between the border inspection bureau, the public security bureau and the travel agency has been smooth and efficient. I believe that as the visa-free policy is further implemented, Xishuangbanna tour will grow even more popular among ASEAN countries."

SOUNDBITE 3 (Chinese): JIANG JIE, Deputy director of culture and tourism bureau of Xishuangbanna
"To better prepare for the visa-free entry of ASEAN tourist groups, we have launched 18 tourist routes tailored for ASEAN visitors."

China and ASEAN have long been key tourist markets for each other. Official data shows that in 2024, Xishuangbanna received 319,500 overseas visitors, a year-on-year increase of 264.67 percent. Laos, Thailand and Myanmar were the top contributors.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Xishuangbanna, China.
(XHTV)