240 hours isn't enough! Travelers need longer visa-free stays
During the visit, Christopher Boidy, an international content creator, said that 240 hours isn't long enough and expressed hope that the visa-free stay could be extended. "China has so much to offer, and all it takes is a willingness to engage with the local culture."
China is welcoming more international visitors as visa-free policies make it easier for eligible travelers to visit the country. In southern China, Guangdong hopes to tap into that growing interest by showcasing its modern cities, coastal scenery and traditional culture.
China recorded 154.5 million inbound tourist visits in 2025, up 17.1 percent year on year. Foreign nationals made 30.08 million visits under visa-free policies, an increase of 49.5 percent, according to official data. Guangdong recorded 7.266 million visits by foreign tourists in the first half of 2026, up 49.2 percent year on year.
Against this backdrop, travel agents and influencers from 55 countries and regions gathered in Chikan Ancient Town in Kaiping, Jiangmen, for an inbound tourism event and the "Guangdong Magical Night" carnival.
During the visit, Christopher Boidy, an international content creator, said that 240 hours isn't long enough and expressed hope that the visa-free stay could be extended. "China has so much to offer, and all it takes is a willingness to engage with the local culture."
10 Comments
Reader notes and reactions to this story.
Maya Chen 2 hours ago
This story captures something I noticed in Shanghai too: young people treat the city almost like a shared living room.
Leo Park 3 hours ago
The point about low-cost identity is sharp. It explains why small habits can feel bigger than entertainment.
Anika Rao 5 hours ago
I would love a follow-up about second-tier cities. Chengdu and Hangzhou probably have different versions of this.
Jonas Miller 6 hours ago
The examples feel familiar even outside China. Urban life is becoming more improvised everywhere.
Yuki Tanaka 8 hours ago
Museum visits, cycling routes, pop-up stores - that mix says a lot about how cities are changing.
Clara Wu 9 hours ago
The article makes the trend feel human instead of just lifestyle branding. Nice angle.
Samir Patel 11 hours ago
I like that the piece does not frame this as Westernization. It feels more locally invented.
Nina Roberts Yesterday
The writing around public streets becoming social spaces is especially strong.
Eric Zhou Yesterday
This reminds me of weekend markets near university areas. Very accurate.
Helen Garcia 2 days ago
Would be great to see photos from the routes mentioned in the article.