source：https://news.cctv.com/2025/02/03/ARTI2L6a78UMBw10CydalIx7250203.shtml

On the bustling immigration corridor of Shanghai Pudong International Airport, a scene of multilingual hospitality unfolds. “Here is your passport. Have a pleasant journey in China!” said Yu Man, a police officer at the airport border inspection station, as she smoothly assisted a German traveler with his entry procedures in fluent German. When a group of British tourists arrived, she seamlessly switched to English to guide them through the process.

Shanghai Pudong International Airport sees a peak in inbound and outbound passenger traffic. (Photo provided by Shanghai Immigration Inspection General Station)

Yu Man is a member of the airport’s “100-person foreign language volunteer service team,” a role she has been proud to hold for 15 years. This multilingual service is a daily occurrence at Pudong International Airport, especially during the Spring Festival, as China’s visa-free policies and facilitation measures for foreign visitors continue to improve. An increasing number of foreign tourists are choosing to visit China during the Spring Festival to experience the unique charm of the Chinese New Year.

According to statistics from the Shanghai Border Inspection Station, as of 5:00 p.m. on February 1, 2025, a total of 41,000 foreign nationals had entered through Shanghai’s ports, with 53.7% of them entering visa-free.

In the inspection hall of Pudong International Airport, Robin Tolin, a German traveler who had just completed his entry procedures, shared his excitement. “Thanks to the visa-free policy, it’s now very convenient to visit China. I plan to stay in Shanghai for a few days and visit famous attractions like Yuyuan Garden, the Bund, and Nanjing Road,” he said. Tolin has a keen interest in traditional Chinese New Year customs such as dragon and lion dances, sugar blowing, and lantern riddles, and he specifically came to China to experience the festive atmosphere.

Another traveler, Japanese national Tada Tada, who arrived in Shanghai, will continue his journey to Hunan to visit relatives. “The customs clearance during the Spring Festival was very smooth, much faster than I expected,” he said with a smile, pointing to the local specialties he was carrying. “My wife’s hometown is in Hunan, and we are excited to spend the New Year with her parents.”

Police officers from the “Hundred-Person Foreign Language Volunteer Service Team” of Shanghai Airport Immigration Inspection are assisting foreign travelers with entry procedures. (Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Tang Siqi)

The Shanghai Cruise Port is also experiencing a surge in passenger traffic. During the Spring Festival this year, the number of passengers choosing to celebrate the New Year at sea has increased significantly. According to statistics from the Shanghai border inspection authorities, nearly 70,000 passengers are expected to travel in and out of the country by cruise ship during the Spring Festival, a 337.5% increase compared to the same period in 2024.

At 6:00 p.m., Yu Man finished her volunteer work and was relieved by another officer. During the Spring Festival, officers work 24-hour shifts, with additional channels opened during peak hours. This busy schedule has become the norm for all immigration police officers on duty.

Outside the window, another international flight landed, its red livery illuminated by the lights of the jet bridge. “The busier we are during the Spring Festival, the more I feel the vitality of the country’s openness,” Yu Man said. “I truly feel happy to be able to help friends from all over the world at this moment.”

China’s travel market is booming, and with its open policies and warm hospitality, the country continues to welcome visitors from around the globe to experience its rich culture and vibrant festivals.