Visa-Free Access to Xishuangbanna: A New Chapter in ASEAN-China Tourism

China

The stunning landscapes and rich culture of Xishuangbanna in Yunnan province, China, have become even more accessible to tourists from ASEAN countries, thanks to a new visa-free policy that allows group tourists to explore the region for up to six days without the need for a visa. This initiative, which began on February 10, has already begun to transform travel between China and ASEAN nations, enhancing cultural exchanges and tourism cooperation.

The first group to take advantage of this new policy was a group of 15 tourists from Thailand and Laos, who wrapped up their four-day tour of Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture with a return journey aboard the China-Laos Railway. Their visit marked a significant moment in the growing tourism ties between ASEAN and China.

Xishuangbanna, known for its lush tropical rainforests, diverse ethnic cultures, and vibrant Dai traditions, welcomed these visitors with open arms. Guided by local agencies, the tourists were able to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the region, sample the delicious local cuisine, and participate in cultural experiences such as Dai ethnic dances and a traditional water blessing ceremony. One of the highlights for the group was the Xishuangbanna Virgin Forest Park, where the visitors were treated to a 7D movie experience showcasing the Mekong River.

The visa exemption policy is part of China’s broader effort to strengthen ties with ASEAN, a region that has long been a key tourism market. Official data shows that Xishuangbanna received 319,500 international visitors in 2024, a dramatic 264.67 percent increase from the previous year, with Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar leading the charge.

For many visitors, such as Somnham Sithone from Laos, the experience left them eager for more. "It’s a perfect blend of nature and technology," he said, expressing his hopes to explore more of China in the future. The positive response from tourists highlights the success of the new visa policy, which has made travel to this unique corner of China simpler and more enjoyable.

In addition to easing travel, this initiative is boosting the local economy by benefiting tourism agencies, hospitality services, and the broader infrastructure sector. New tourism routes are being developed to cater to the growing number of ASEAN visitors, offering diverse experiences ranging from tropical rainforest adventures to immersive cultural activities. The local government is also enhancing visitor services, including multilingual guides and improved signage, to ensure that international tourists feel welcome.

The increased tourism flows are not only encouraging cultural exchanges but also providing more opportunities for people-to-people connections between China and ASEAN. Language skills are becoming more valuable, with many young people from ASEAN countries now studying Mandarin to pursue career opportunities in China’s expanding job market.

The future of tourism between China and ASEAN looks promising, as initiatives like the visa-free access to Xishuangbanna pave the way for deeper cooperation. This new policy not only opens up exciting travel opportunities but also fosters cultural understanding and shared experiences, marking the beginning of a new era in ASEAN-China relations.