IN a special ceremony held on Thursday morning at the international arrivals hall of Terminal 2 of Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, a group of 12 tourists from countries such as Australia, the Netherlands, Argentina, and Russia were warmly welcomed. These visitors were the first to participate in a free “transit visa-free tour in Guangzhou” under the 144-hour transit visa-free policy. The guests were each presented with a special gift of Cantonese embroidery, which is unique in Guangdong. After the ceremony, an English-speaking guide led them on a meticulously designed city walk in Guangzhou. They visited the new central axis of Guangzhou, Huacheng Square, the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, and Yuexiu Park, which is home to the iconic five-ram statue. At noon, they were treated with a Cantonese dim sum lunch. “I am confident that the foreign tourists will develop an affinity for Guangzhou through this experience, and fall in love with the Cantonese cuisine,” remarked tour guide Li Jian from Guangzhou Travel, a local tour agency that organizes the free tours. Since the end of June, free one-day tours of Guangzhou have been introduced for foreign tourists eligible for the 144-hour transit visa-free policy. The city tours primarily highlight the historical and cultural heritage of Guangzhou and offer services such as free tourist buses, English-speaking guides, sightseeing, and lunch featuring local snacks. The transit tourism counter at the international arrivals hall of Terminal 2 of Baiyun airport is now officially available to foreign passengers in transit. Foreign travelers holding an onward ticket and passport can register for the free tour to partake in a distinctive “China travel” experience, uncovering the natural beauty and local customs of Guangzhou. The transit visa-free tourism counter is operating regularly on a trial basis until June 28, 2025, providing bilingual services to travelers. Local travel agencies in Guangzhou have crafted a variety of tour packages based on the 144-hour transit visa-free policy, offering itineraries ranging from half-day to six days. These packages include options such as a half-day classic tour of Guangzhou, a one-day walking exploration tour, a two-day leisurely city tour, a three-day relaxation tour, a four-day technology and folk customs tour, a five-day business and trade tour, and a six-day cultural experience tour. These itineraries encompass urban life, nearby attractions, trade shows, and more, extending beyond in-depth explorations of Guangzhou to include a combined “Guangzhou + GBA cities” tour. Currently, foreign nationals from 54 countries are eligible for the 72/144-hour transit visa-free policies that are valid at 38 ports in 18 provincial-level regions across China. (Tang Li) | 