“Inbound tourism boom highlights China’s western region’s growing appeal”

Riding on the convenience of transit visa-free policies and other inbound tourism measures, Chengdu, with its unique natural beauty and vibrant cultural charm, has become a magnet for global travelers. According to Trip.com’s “2024 China Tourism Destination Heat Map,” Chengdu ranks first among the most-searched cities by foreign tourists. In the first half of this year, Chengdu’s airport recorded over 3 million inbound and outbound passengers, leading central and western China in both passenger volume and flight numbers.

The surge in inbound tourism reflects the strong “magnetic pull” of China’s efforts to facilitate travel and the boundless “gravitational force” of western China’s expanding openness. As an inland hub of international exchange, Chengdu not only exemplifies dynamic cultural and tourism development but also serves as a vibrant window into China, showcasing confidence, inclusivity, and the pulsating energy of the times.

Unique Attractions “Activate” Global Tourism

“Dice the chicken evenly, soak the dried chilies first…” At the Chengdu Cuisine Museum, a Chinese chef guides Greek influencer Sophia in making Kung Pao chicken. As Sophia tosses chilies into hot oil, the aroma instantly fills the air with flames, prompting her to exclaim, “So this is ‘mala’!”

On July 1, the Chengdu-Istanbul-Athens route was officially launched, the first direct flight from central and western China to Athens. Five Greek influencers took this flight to explore Chengdu—visiting pandas, enjoying face-changing performances, and cruising the Jinjiang River—packing their five-day itinerary with unforgettable experiences.

Chengdu, renowned as the “Hometown of Pandas” and the “Capital of Gastronomy and Leisure,” dazzles with its ancient Shu civilization, Three Kingdoms history, and poetic heritage, attracting countless international visitors each year. Some come to see the adorable giant pandas, others are captivated by the millennia-old relics of Jinsha Site and Wuhou Shrine, while many marvel at the ingenuity of the Dujiangyan Irrigation System or the trendy vibe of Dongjiao Memory. These unique cultural and tourism resources continue to draw global attention.

At the Panda Base, Vietnamese traveler A Chuan happily poses for photos with pandas, planning to visit all panda-related landmarks in Chengdu. In Kuanzhai Alley, South Korean tourist Kim Seo-yeon embarks on a “City Walk,” snapping photos, shopping, and sampling local snacks. At Shuyanfu in Dongjiao Memory, over 10,000 foreign tourists have immersed themselves in Hanfu and Chinese dining culture in the first half of this year.

“I love Pop Mart and other trendy Chinese collectibles—today I finally got my favorite set!” In the Chunxi Road-Taikoo Li shopping district, Italian tourist Stefan and his friends lug bags of purchases, fully embracing the “shop till you drop” spirit.

“Bring an empty suitcase to Chengdu!” This tip circulating on overseas social media resonates with travelers. As a top-tier consumption hub in China, Chengdu is home to over 4,000 flagship stores from global brands, offering foreign tourists a “dazzling” shopping experience. Areas like Chunxi Road and Kuanzhai Alley rank among China’s top “inbound-tourist-friendly commercial zones.”

The booming “China travel” trend has kept travel agencies swamped. “Southeast Asian tourists, especially from Thailand, are flocking to Sichuan this year—our 20 Thai-speaking guides are fully booked,” said Jing Zhihong, general manager of Chengdu Free Journey International Travel Agency. Thai guide Lin Xiang echoed this: “The surge in Thai tourists is unprecedented in my 20-year career—some agencies even ‘borrow’ guides from other regions to cope.”

As the first city in central and western China with dual international airports, Chengdu is rapidly expanding its global air network. Currently, it operates 86 international and regional direct routes. In late June alone, four new routes were launched to Phnom Penh, Bangkok, Athens, and Seychelles, weaving an “aerial Silk Road” that connects Chengdu to the world.

This transportation advantage is fueling cultural and tourism growth. In the first half of this year, Chengdu’s airport handled over 3 million inbound and outbound passengers, an 11.2% year-on-year increase, including 790,000 foreigners—a 58.5% surge—highlighting its strong international appeal.

“Eating, Staying, Traveling—Everything’