In Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province, someone visiting the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding three times a week may not necessarily be a panda fanatic, but a tour guide who speaks English.

On her latest trip, Lin Qianmei arrived at the base entrance before 7 a.m. to meet a group of foreign tourists. This base is a must-see destination for visitors from anywhere in the world. From there, the itinerary might continue to Dujiangyan, the Leshan Giant Buddha, Mount Emei, or Jiuzhaigou.

Data from the National Immigration Administration shows that foreign nationals made 38.05 million cross-border trips to and from China in the first half of 2025, up 30.2 percent year on year. Specifically, 13.64 million foreigners entering China without a visa in the first six months of the year. This category accounted for 71.2 percent of total foreign entries and represented a 53.9-percent year-on-year increase. In summer, the booming trend of "China Travel" continues to gain momentum.

Many young people are seizing this wave of inbound tourism as a golden opportunity. In cities popular with foreign visitors, young entrepreneurs are starting businesses that offer city walks, cycling tours, street food experiences, and other niche services.

Jiang Xi, co-founder of the Shanghai-based company Eastbound and Beyond, said the company's guides take foreign tourists to the matchmaking corner in People's Park, while in Fuxing Park, local "aunties" invite visitors to join in square dancing.

Editor Ⅰ: Zhang Wenwen

Editor Ⅱ: Wu Dan

Editor Ⅲ: Liu Guosong