Weihai, China - February 24, 2025 Weihai, a charming coastal city in east China's Shandong Province, has stepped up efforts to provide facilitation services for foreign tourists as the number of inbound travelers continues to rise following the Chinese government's further expansion of its visa-free policies. Just over an hour's flight from South Korea, Weihai has become a sought-after destination by East Asian travelers since China lifted visa restrictions for citizens of 38 countries, including South Korea, last year. With a surge in South Korean tourists, Weihai's Shihai Port border checkpoint has boosted its staffing, adding more on-duty officers and Korean interpreters to ensure a smooth and efficient customs process. The rise in popularity of Weihai among South Korean associations has fueled a boom in group tours from the neighboring country, according to local travel agencies. Meanwhile, Weihai's culture and tourism authorities have partnered with South Korean travel agencies to create customized tourism products since the start of this year. The coastal city has also enhanced its services for South Korean tourists by upgrading payment equipment at 32 three-star hotels and 19 major scenic spots. Tourist sites also offer preferential ticket discounts for South Korean groups and have added Korean-language guide signs. Shotlist: Weihai City, Shandong Province, east China - Recent: 1. Aerial shot of cruise ship at port; 2. Various of travelers going through customs procedure, officers working; 3. Various of South Korean tourists at scenic spot, posing for photos; 4. SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Quan Mingqi, tour guide (ending with shots 5-6): "I will be serving tour groups from South Korea throughout April, May and June, with an average of one group per week. They are from senior citizen's associations, choir, Saxophone and golf groups for seniors and many others."; 5. Various of South Korean tourists at scenic spot; 6. Visitors watching show at ocean park; 7. SOUNDBITE (Korean) Jo Seung-hyun, South Korean tourist: "We came here for a reconnaissance trip as a group. We plan to organize at least 2,000 people to come here in November or December."; 8. Tourists having meals; 9. South Korean tourist posing for photo next to aquarium; 10. South Korean tourists at scenic spot; 11. South Korean tourists buying ice cream; 12. Aerial shots of tourists at scenic spot; 13. South Korean tourists posing for photo; 14. Aerial shots of tourists at scenic spot. [Restriction - No access Chinese mainland]