Still hesitating about traveling to, studying in or doing business with China? The following numbers might help change your mind.

In the first half of 2025, foreign nationals made a total of 38.05 million trips to or from China, an increase of 30.2 percent year-on-year, the National Immigration Administration said on Wednesday. Of these trips, 13.64 million were visa-free entries — which is more than the population of a megacity — up 53.9 percent from the same period last year.

These trips accounted for 71.2 percent of all inbound trips made by foreigners in the first half of the year.

Thanks to a growing list of unilateral visa-free agreements with countries across Europe, Southeast Asia and beyond, it is easier than ever to enter China without excessive paperwork. China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy allows travelers from 55 countries to transit through China without a visa for up to 240 hours.

On the other hand, the number of Chinese citizens traveling abroad has also risen rapidly. This increased two-way movement of people is helping other countries better understand China.

The impact is already visible in international perceptions. A new Pew Research Center survey, released on Tuesday and based on responses from more than 30,000 people across 25 countries, reveals several key shifts in global attitudes toward China. Conducted between Jan 8 and April 26, the study found that compared to last year views about China have turned favorable in 15 of the 25 countries surveyed.

One of the most notable trends is generational. In most countries, younger people are more positive about China than older respondents. This younger demographic is also more likely to form opinions based on direct experiences, social media content and peer networking, rather than through legacy media narratives or assumptions.

In addition, more people now see China as the world’s leading economic power, a marked change from Pew’s 2023 survey and a reflection of China’s growing global influence through innovation, trade and high-quality development.

These changing views reflect a reality many are discovering firsthand. The China of today is dynamic, forward-looking and deeply engaged with the world. From high-speed rail networks and AI-driven cities to vibrant cultural festivals and thriving innovation hubs, China offers not only modern infrastructure but a new model of development, one that emphasizes quality, sustainability and openness.

And this openness is intentional. China is advancing high-level opening-up not just through policy, but through action. It is about more than trade and investment, it is about encouraging people-to-people exchanges, educational partnerships, tourism and shared innovation. Whether it is easier visa access, multilingual services at airports and train stations, or international cooperation zones, the door to China is wide open and increasingly welcoming.

What is also helping is China’s role as a source of stability and certainty in a turbulent global landscape. At a time when many regions are facing economic headwinds and geopolitical tensions, China’s long-term development strategies, policy consistency and emphasis on peaceful cooperation stand out. Its approach to modernization, rooted in national conditions, yet globally connected, is being recognized as both effective and inspiring.

The result? A growing number of international visitors are not just impressed, they are surprised. Many describe the China they encounter as “unexpected”, “fascinating” or even “cool”. This is a country breaking through cliches and showing the world what modernization with Chinese characteristics really looks like and how it can offer new ideas for global development.

So, if you are still wondering whether it is time to explore China, the signs are clear. People are coming. Views are shifting. Connections are deepening.

An aerial drone photo taken on July 15, 2025 shows a section of the Duku Highway in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Northwest China’s Duku Highway, considered one of the most scenic roads in the country, sees a tourism boom in the summer.

The 561-kilometer highway connects Dushanzi in the north of Xinjiang with Kuqa City in the south, running through varied landscapes that include canyons, glaciers, lakes and grasslands. (Xinhua/Zhang Keren)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 17, 2025 shows the scenery along the Duku Highway in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Northwest China’s Duku Highway, considered one of the most scenic roads in the country, sees a tourism boom in the summer.

The 561-kilometer highway connects Dushanzi in the north of Xinjiang with Kuqa City in the south, running through varied landscapes that include canyons, glaciers, lakes and grasslands. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)

An aerial drone photo shows a vehicle in a canyon near the Duku Highway in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, July 17, 2025. Northwest China’s Duku Highway, considered one of the most scenic roads in the country, sees a tourism boom in the summer.

The 561-kilometer highway connects Dushanzi in the north of Xinjiang with Kuqa City in the south, running through varied landscapes that include canyons, glaciers, lakes and grasslands. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 15, 2025 shows the scenery along the Duku Highway in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Northwest China’s Duku Highway, considered one of the most scenic roads in the country, sees a tourism boom in the summer.

The 561-kilometer highway connects Dushanzi in the north of Xinjiang with Kuqa City in the south, running through varied landscapes that include canyons, glaciers, lakes and grasslands. (Xinhua/Zhang Keren)

An aerial drone photo shows tourists visiting a canyon near the Duku Highway in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, July 17, 2025. Northwest China’s Duku Highway, considered one of the most scenic roads in the country, sees a tourism boom in the summer.

The 561-kilometer highway connects Dushanzi in the north of Xinjiang with Kuqa City in the south, running through varied landscapes that include canyons, glaciers, lakes and grasslands. (Xinhua/Zhang Keren)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 16, 2025 shows a section of the Duku Highway in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Northwest China’s Duku Highway, considered one of the most scenic roads in the country, sees a tourism boom in the summer.

The 561-kilometer highway connects Dushanzi in the north of Xinjiang with Kuqa City in the south, running through varied landscapes that include canyons, glaciers, lakes and grasslands. (Xinhua/Zhang Keren)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 15, 2025 shows a section of the Duku Highway in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Northwest China’s Duku Highway, considered one of the most scenic roads in the country, sees a tourism boom in the summer.

The 561-kilometer highway connects Dushanzi in the north of Xinjiang with Kuqa City in the south, running through varied landscapes that include canyons, glaciers, lakes and grasslands. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 15, 2025 shows a section of the Duku Highway in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Northwest China’s Duku Highway, considered one of the most scenic roads in the country, sees a tourism boom in the summer.

The 561-kilometer highway connects Dushanzi in the north of Xinjiang with Kuqa City in the south, running through varied landscapes that include canyons, glaciers, lakes and grasslands. (Xinhua/Zhang Keren)

Tourists riding camels visit a canyon near the Duku Highway in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, July 17, 2025. Northwest China’s Duku Highway, considered one of the most scenic roads in the country, sees a tourism boom in the summer.

The 561-kilometer highway connects Dushanzi in the north of Xinjiang with Kuqa City in the south, running through varied landscapes that include canyons, glaciers, lakes and grasslands. (Xinhua/Meng Tao)

This photo taken on July 15, 2025 shows a section of the Duku Highway in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Northwest China’s Duku Highway, considered one of the most scenic roads in the country, sees a tourism boom in the summer.

The 561-kilometer highway connects Dushanzi in the north of Xinjiang with Kuqa City in the south, running through varied landscapes that include canyons, glaciers, lakes and grasslands. (Xinhua/Li Xiao)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 15, 2025 shows a section of the Duku Highway in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Northwest China’s Duku Highway, considered one of the most scenic roads in the country, sees a tourism boom in the summer.

The 561-kilometer highway connects Dushanzi in the north of Xinjiang with Kuqa City in the south, running through varied landscapes that include canyons, glaciers, lakes and grasslands. (Xinhua/Meng Tao)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 16, 2025 shows a grassland by the Duku Highway in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Northwest China’s Duku Highway, considered one of the most scenic roads in the country, sees a tourism boom in the summer.

The 561-kilometer highway connects Dushanzi in the north of Xinjiang with Kuqa City in the south, running through varied landscapes that include canyons, glaciers, lakes and grasslands. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)

A man poses for a photo at a service area of the Duku Highway in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, July 15, 2025. Northwest China’s Duku Highway, considered one of the most scenic roads in the country, sees a tourism boom in the summer.

The 561-kilometer highway connects Dushanzi in the north of Xinjiang with Kuqa City in the south, running through varied landscapes that include canyons, glaciers, lakes and grasslands. (Xinhua/Li Xiao)

An aerial drone photo shows vehicles on the Duku Highway in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, July 15, 2025. Northwest China’s Duku Highway, considered one of the most scenic roads in the country, sees a tourism boom in the summer.

The 561-kilometer highway connects Dushanzi in the north of Xinjiang with Kuqa City in the south, running through varied landscapes that include canyons, glaciers, lakes and grasslands. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 15, 2025 shows a section of the Duku Highway in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Northwest China’s Duku Highway, considered one of the most scenic roads in the country, sees a tourism boom in the summer.

The 561-kilometer highway connects Dushanzi in the north of Xinjiang with Kuqa City in the south, running through varied landscapes that include canyons, glaciers, lakes and grasslands. (Xinhua/Zhang Keren)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 15, 2025 shows a section of the Duku Highway in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Northwest China’s Duku Highway, considered one of the most scenic roads in the country, sees a tourism boom in the summer.

The 561-kilometer highway connects Dushanzi in the north of Xinjiang with Kuqa City in the south, running through varied landscapes that include canyons, glaciers, lakes and grasslands. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)

An aerial drone photo taken on July 16, 2025 shows a grassland by the Duku Highway in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Northwest China’s Duku Highway, considered one of the most scenic roads in the country, sees a tourism boom in the summer.

The 561-kilometer highway connects Dushanzi in the north of Xinjiang with Kuqa City in the south, running through varied landscapes that include canyons, glaciers, lakes and grasslands. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)

This aerial drone photo shows tourists visiting a canyon near the Duku Highway in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, July 17, 2025. Northwest China’s Duku Highway, considered one of the most scenic roads in the country, sees a tourism boom in the summer.

The 561-kilometer highway connects Dushanzi in the north of Xinjiang with Kuqa City in the south, running through varied landscapes that include canyons, glaciers, lakes and grasslands. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)

WILLEMSTAD, CURACAO — Curacao is becoming an important spot for travelers and investors as it experiences a notable boost in tourism and business initiatives. Recent data shows that the island welcomed 57,412 stayover visitors in June 2025, a 15 percent rise from the previous year, according to the Curaçao Tourist Board.

This increase highlights Curacao’s growing appeal as a top travel destination, well-known for its vibrant culture and diverse activities. Many tourists are taking advantage of attractive flight deals, with tickets starting around $442. Airlines like Copa Airlines provide reliable options, connecting Miami to the island and supporting travelers from across Latin America.

The hospitality scene in Curacao is thriving as well, offering luxury accommodations for those looking for a high-end experience. The Renaissance Curacao Resort and Casino in Willemstad showcases elegant facilities, various dining options, and amenities such as a private beach and an infinity pool.

Beyond tourism, Curacao is demonstrating its commitment to community welfare with initiatives like the Essential Assistance Program. This effort provides free household goods and grocery support for families in need, aiming for inclusive economic growth.

The island is also known for its culinary innovations, including Combier Curaçao Le Bleu, the world’s first Premium Blue Curacao. This product highlights Curacao’s dedication to quality and appeals to both residents and visitors.

Visitors can explore Curacao with numerous excursions, including tours at the Curaçao Liqueur Distillery and Klein Curacao day trips that feature premium BBQ lunch options. These activities enhance the unique cultural experience available to tourists.

As families plan vacations, Curacao is competing well with other Caribbean hot spots like St. Thomas and Aruba. With its cultural richness and leisure opportunities, it remains an attractive choice for diverse family experiences.

Analysts foresee continued visitor growth, supported by strategic initiatives and the island’s charm. As Curacao progresses, it strives to provide exceptional experiences for both tourists and locals, solidifying its role as a leading Caribbean destination.