China travel apps are taking off

From flights to railways

China Eastern Airlines has unveiled its Changyixing (easy journey) air-rail service, which aims to create seamless travel for international visitors entering and transiting through China, says Gong Picai, deputy general manager of the marketing department at China Eastern Airlines.

The core advantage of the product is to provide both transportation and a window into what China has to offer, Gong emphasizes.

"The product allows one-stop ticketing on our overseas website for international flight segments, plus domestic high-speed rail segments. We have integrated China Eastern Airlines' 83 overseas sites globally and support 13 foreign currencies for payment," Gong says.

The service includes coordinated check-in and luggage transfer at Shanghai's Hongqiao hub, developed with rail authorities.

Comfort and culture are also prioritized.

"We have launched a door-to-airport luggage reservation and direct delivery service in 24 major cities in the Yangtze River Delta, allowing travelers to truly 'free their hands and travel light'," Gong states.

The accompanying China Pass integrates transportation, cultural consumption, and attractions across 336 cities.

"We look forward to guiding travelers deep into the fabric of the cities, to experience the most vibrant and authentic aesthetics of Eastern life."

Curating the journey

As a major tour operator, China Tourism Group Travel Services has launched the new platform Travel China to simplify travel planning for international visitors eager to explore China.

"The global cultural and tourism market is currently experiencing accelerated recovery, with inbound tourism to China, a vital cultural bridge connecting the country to the world, ushering in unprecedented opportunities for growth," says Zhang Kexiong, assistant general manager of China Tourism Group Travel Services, adding that alongside these opportunities come distinct challenges.

"We are keenly aware that international travelers often encounter real-life difficulties when planning a trip to China, such as fragmented information, overly complex travel guides, and limited access to truly distinctive local experiences," he elaborates.

The Travel China portal was designed to break down these barriers and build a more authoritative, comprehensive, and convenient service platform for inbound tourism, he says.

The website prioritizes authentic storytelling.

"Through multimedia forms like high-definition images, text and short videos, we present a vibrant China in all its dimensions, allowing overseas tourists to be captivated before they even depart," he explains.

The platform also filters essential information to provide complete travel solutions.

"From the tourists' perspective, the platform systematically integrates the entire journey's practical information, including visa processing, transportation, accommodation choices, mobile payments, and tax refund policies, providing one-stop tourism services," Zhang notes, adding that it also offers tailored itineraries for different traveler profiles through expert collaborations.

To ensure immersive cultural experiences, the platform will also update real-time nationwide cultural and tourism activity information, new scenarios, and novel ways to explore, Zhang says.

He reveals that it is not only a service platform but also "a bridge connecting cultural and tourism enterprises, scenic spots, travel agencies, and tourists".

Underpinning these industry efforts is supportive national policy.

Gu Hui, minister-counselor of the Department of Consular Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, affirmed China's commitment to facilitating visits.

"China's door to high-level opening-up will only open wider," he states, extending a warm welcome to more international friends to "see and experience Chinese modernization".