The number of international travelers entering and exiting through Shenzhen’s checkpoints surged almost 150% year on year in the first half of this year, official data show.

Statistics from the Shenzhen General Station of Exit and Entry Frontier Inspection reveal that international tourists made over 2.39 million trips through Shenzhen’s various checkpoints between January and June, an increase of 145.5% compared with the same period a year ago, as reported by Shenzhen Special Zone Daily on Thursday.

Among these, more than 1.19 million were inbound trips made by international travelers, with 291,000 visa-free entries, which is 2.58 times the total for 2023. The number of trips made by international tour groups entering Guangdong visa-free for 144 hours via Hong Kong and Macao reached approximately 50,000, with 10,000 made through Shenzhen’s airport and Shekou.

Boost in Duty-Free Sales
Duty-free sales at the Huanggang and Futian checkpoints have continued to increase since the second quarter of this year. Total sales have now exceeded 76 million yuan (US$10.5 million), highlighting the growing appeal of China’s duty-free market.

Catalyzed by China’s 144-hour visa-free transit policy, “China Travel” has become increasingly popular among international tourists, with many choosing to enter and exit the country via Shenzhen. This policy has made it easier than ever for international travelers to visit China’s scenic landscapes and indulge in duty-free shopping.

Positive Experiences from Travelers
A German traveler named Friedrich is one of the many people who have taken advantage of the 144-hour visa-free transit policy. “I’ve long been eager to try these Chinese specialties,” he said while holding up some Chinese products. Friedrich shared that he purchased gifts for his family and friends during his trip, which he found truly worthwhile.

“Since the beginning of the year, the demand for duty-free goods has been particularly robust, and our stock is often in short supply,” said Zheng Tao, manager of Shenzhen State-owned Duty-free Commodity Group’s Futian Checkpoint shop.

Broad Coverage of the Policy
So far, 11 Shenzhen checkpoints are included in the 144-hour visa-free transit policy for international travelers. All modes of transportation – land, railway, air, and sea – are covered.

This surge in international travel and duty-free sales in Shenzhen reflects the growing appeal of the city as a gateway for global travelers, leveraging favorable policies and a robust infrastructure to attract and accommodate visitors from around the world.