On December 4, 2024, at the 19th session of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage held in Asunción, Paraguay, the Committee officially decided to include “Spring Festival – The Social Practice of Celebrating the Chinese New Year” in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This historic decision marks a global recognition of the cultural significance of the Chinese New Year, a celebration that has been passed down through generations and is deeply rooted in Chinese traditions.

The Spring Festival, also known as the Chinese New Year, is one of the most important traditional festivals in China. It has a history spanning thousands of years, rich with cultural practices, rituals, and symbols. During the celebration, people engage in various customs, including family reunions, special festive meals, ancestor worship, dragon and lion dances, and setting off fireworks. The festival is celebrated with joy and harmony, emphasizing values of unity, prosperity, and good fortune for the coming year.

In addition to being celebrated in China, the Spring Festival has become a significant event for Chinese communities around the world, transcending national borders. Each year, millions of people participate in public and private celebrations, not only in China but also in countries across Asia and beyond, reflecting the growing global spread of this cultural tradition.

The decision to inscribe the Spring Festival on the Intangible Cultural Heritage List highlights the international community’s respect for and recognition of China’s rich cultural heritage. It also strengthens efforts to protect and preserve this vital cultural practice. UNESCO’s recognition of the Spring Festival will serve as an international platform for cultural exchange and the promotion of global awareness about this traditional celebration.

The cultural value of the Spring Festival extends beyond the festive activities themselves. It embodies the deep meaning of family reunions, cultural continuity, and social cohesion. As globalization continues to progress, more and more people, regardless of their cultural background, are participating in the celebrations. The Spring Festival has grown into a global cultural event, uniting people from all walks of life in a shared appreciation of Chinese traditions.

UNESCO’s decision underscores the importance of safeguarding intangible cultural heritage in today’s interconnected world. It also presents new opportunities for promoting cross-cultural dialogue and mutual understanding. Through this recognition, the Spring Festival will continue to play a vital role in fostering cultural diversity and enriching the shared heritage of humanity.

At a regular press conference on November 22, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian announced a significant enhancement to China’s visa-free travel policy, aimed at fostering greater ease of exchange between China and the rest of the world.

Starting November 30, 2024, through December 31, 2025, citizens holding ordinary passports from Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia, and Japan will enjoy visa-free entry into China on a trial basis.

In a further stride toward accessibility, China will also expand the scope of visa-free entry to include exchange visits, in addition to current purposes such as business, tourism, and family reunions. Moreover, the permitted visa-free stay duration will double from 15 days to 30 days, offering travelers more time to explore, connect, and collaborate.

From November 30, 2024, travelers from the above nine countries, along with citizens of the 38 countries already on China’s visa-free list, can enter China for business, sightseeing, family visits, exchange programs, or transits of up to 30 days, without the hassle of applying for a visa.

This initiative underscores China’s commitment to building stronger ties and promoting cultural, economic, and personal exchanges on a global scale. Whether for business opportunities, unforgettable travel experiences, or meaningful connections, China is now more open than ever.

A warm welcome awaits you—come and experience the diversity, charm, and dynamism of China!

In a bold move to enhance international exchanges, China has expanded its visa-free travel policy to include Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein, and South Korea. From November 8, 2024, to December 31, 2025, citizens from these countries holding regular passports can visit China for business, tourism, family visits, or transit without a visa for up to 15 days.

For those who do not meet the visa-free criteria, obtaining a visa before entry remains a requirement.

This new initiative builds on China’s previous agreements with 24 countries that enjoy full visa exemption, along with 16 countries that have specific visa-free entry policies. Furthermore, travelers from 54 nations can take advantage of 72-hour or 144-hour visa-free transit options. As the entry process for foreign visitors continues to streamline and improve, China’s appeal as a travel destination grows stronger, inviting more explorers to experience its rich culture and vibrant landscapes.