Overseas visitors praise unique charm of Chengdu

Social media influencers and representatives of tourism organizations from all over the world experience Chengdu's popular tourism routes, which connect famous scenic spots in the city. [Photo provided to China Daily]

International visitors have become increasingly enchanted with the unique charm of Chengdu, home to giant pandas in Southwest China's Sichuan province and renowned for its leisurely lifestyle.

More than 200 participants, including social media influencers and representatives of tourism organizations from all over the world, were invited to Chengdu during the recent "Global Travel Merchants Gathering in Chengdu" activity.

They witnessed the establishment of the Chengdu Inbound Tourism Strategic Partnership Alliance and the launch of the first International Online Panda Festival. Some of the participants were also invited to experience Chengdu's popular tourism routes, which connect famous scenic spots in the city.

They explored Chengdu's long history in Dujiangyan, Jiezi Ancient Town, and Qiongyao Archaeological Site Park, enjoyed the natural scenery in Qingcheng Mountain, as well as experienced its urban prosperity in the Taikoo Li shopping area.

Baptiste Cassagnolle (L), an 18-year-old from Montpellier, France, experiences Chengdu's popular tourism routes, which connect famous scenic spots in the city. [Photo provided to China Daily]

"Chengdu is an amazing city filled with culture. I'm so happy and excited to be here," said Baptiste Cassagnolle, an 18-year-old from Montpellier, France.

Cassagnolle showed great interest in Chengdu's rich and unique culture. He took many pictures and videos to share with his followers on TikTok and Instagram.

As a newly elected Chengdu tourism global promotion ambassador, he will utilize his influence on social media to boost Chengdu's culture and tourism industries.

"After returning to France, I will share this trip with my family and friends, and take them to Chengdu in the future," he added.

"The local food is even better than Japanese food," said Kuroki Shinji, another ambassador from Japan who fell in love with Sichuan cuisine.

He also enjoyed the laid-back lifestyle and said that he will definitely come to Chengdu again.

Social media influencers and representatives of tourism organizations from all over the world experience Chengdu's popular tourism routes, which connect famous scenic spots in the city. [Photo provided to China Daily]

"Chengdu impressed me and my colleague very much. It is so clean, safe, and hospitable," said Murtaza Kalender, a Turkish travel agent who came to Chengdu for the first time.

Kalender also praised Chengdu residents, noting that "people here are very easygoing and hospitable, and we all feel at home."

Kalender's company plans to bring 50,000 foreign tourists to China within three to four years and Chengdu will be one of the destinations.

"Southwest China must be a key area of China's inbound tourism in the future," said Liu Huiyuan, general manager of the inbound tourism department of China Travel Group Service.

Connecting Yunnan, Guizhou, and Tibet, Chengdu is located at the center of Southwest China. The magnificent natural scenery and ethnic customs in this area is very attractive to overseas tourists, Liu said.

Chengdu is one of the first batches of famous historical and cultural cities in China. In 2006, the city was designated as China's Best Tourism City by the National Tourism Administration and the World Tourism Organization.

As of this year, travelers from 53 countries are allowed to stay for up to 144 hours in Chengdu without a visa if they hold valid travel documents and confirmed onward travel tickets.

Since December 1, the 144-hour visa-free stay area has been expanded to include another 10 nearby cities, including Leshan, Deyang, and Suining.