China has announced a visa-free entry policy for travelers visiting Xishuangbanna in Yunnan Province from Southeast Asian nations, specifically those part of ASEAN.

This initiative aims to boost tourism in the region.

Key Details:

• Eligibility: Groups of two or more tourists holding valid ordinary passports from ten ASEAN member nations can stay in Xishuangbanna for up to six days.
• Official Statement: China’s National Immigration Administration (NIA) stated: “This policy marks a significant step towards enhancing autonomous opening-up and supporting Yunnan’s development as the Chinese pivot of opening-up to south and southeast Asia.”
  • Translation: “This policy marks a significant step towards enhancing autonomous opening-up and supporting Yunnan’s development as the Chinese pivot of opening-up to south and southeast Asia.”
• Target Countries: Citizens of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam can avail themselves of this offer.

Tourists can enter and exit China visa-free through various international entry points in Xishuangbanna, but travel will be limited to the prefecture of Xishuangbanna.