China's airports are witnessing a remarkable surge in passenger traffic this summer, propelled by relaxed visa regulations and a significant increase in travel demand. The summer travel boom has prompted a notable growth in both incoming and outgoing travel, reflecting the country's ongoing recovery in the tourism sector.

As of Wednesday, Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport reported that its overseas passenger volume has exceeded 2 million, achieving this milestone 50 days ahead of its target for 2024. This achievement positions the airport as the ninth highest in terms of passenger volume nationwide, as conveyed in a report by the Global Times.

The airport has seen a robust increase in international passenger traffic since the onset of the summer season, with a year-on-year growth rate of 28 percent, highlighting the resurgence of interest in international travel.

Beijing has also experienced a significant influx of travelers, with the total number of individuals entering and exiting its ports this year surpassing 13 million, a considerable 18.7 percent increase from the previous year. Among this figure, approximately 3.677 million were foreign visitors, marking a nearly 36 percent year-on-year rise.

Similarly, Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport recorded a substantial passenger flow, managing to accommodate 304,000 inbound and outbound travelers from July 1 to 31, which is the highest monthly traffic since the resumption of international and regional flight services.

China's liberalized visa policies have played a pivotal role in this surge of inbound tourists. The country has notably expanded its visa-exemption programs, allowing for more streamlined travel processes.

During the 14th Five-Year Plan period from 2021 to 2025, China has pursued unilateral visa-free entry and mutual visa exemption agreements with 75 countries. This move has increased the number of countries eligible for visa-free transit to 55 and expanded the entry points across 24 regions.

According to Wang Zhizhong, head of the National Immigration Administration, many foreign visitors have gained deeper insights into China through their direct experiences, reflecting the effectiveness of the country's tourism outreach.

As Beijing and Shanghai experience a rebound in international arrivals, a growing trend is evident as tourists begin exploring lesser-known cities and boutique accommodations, shifting focus from traditional tourist hotspots.

This summer, international travelers explored 253 cities across China, with substantial increases in accommodation bookings noted in Baoshan, Yunnan, and Turpan, Xinjiang, with demand in these areas more than doubling compared to last year.

Moreover, China's inbound consumption has received a boost from a refund-upon-purchase service model, allowing tourists to receive tax refunds immediately at retail locations, enhancing the shopping experience.

In June and July, payments made by foreign nationals using binding international bank cards with WeChat Pay surged nearly threefold compared to the same period last year, reflecting a significant uptick in foreign spending within the country.