Spain sees surge in travel to China following visa-free policy

Spain has been witnessing a surge in travel to China, driven by China's visa-friendly policies.

The latest moves include an extended visa-free entry policy introduced in November last year to allow ordinary passport holders from 38 countries to visit China for a maximum of 30 days without applying for a visa.

According to Spanish media reports, trips from Spain to China increased by 260 percent in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.

Spanish travel agencies have responded by expanding their packages. Meanwhile, direct flights between the two countries have returned to pre-pandemic levels, further facilitating travels.

For many Spanish travelers, China's landscapes, historical sites, and modern cities leave a lasting impression. Computer technician Ricard Figueras was particularly struck by the Datong caves, a site he had not previously known about. "The train journeys allowed me to see beautiful areas beyond the usual tourist spots like the Great Wall, Beijing, and Shanghai," he said.

Andrea Bersellini, a student, was amazed by Shanghai's skyline. "The skyscrapers made a great impact on me --there's nothing like it in Europe," he said.

Beyond the sights, visitors highlighted the warmth and hospitality of the Chinese people. "They welcome tourists like family rather than just customers," frequent traveler Baltasar Pozuelo said. Despite the language barrier, mobile translation apps helped bridge the gap. "People were always willing to help," Figueras noted.

Many Spaniards are also impressed by how affordable traveling in China can be. "The food is fantastic and inexpensive," said Pozuelo, who opted for local cuisine throughout his trip. Business manager Manuel Gomez, a repeat visitor, echoed this sentiment, noting that both food and transportation were budget-friendly for Spanish visitors.

All those interviewed by Xinhua said they would recommend visiting China, though Figueras suggested, "There needs to be greater promotion of China at a European level."