(CFP)

Jiangsu has recorded a growing number of international tourists as the National Immigration Administration expanded China's 144-hour visa-free transit policy to 37 ports as of July 15.

According to the Jiangsu Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, the province’s 259 scenic spots at the 4A level and above received over 1.077 million inbound tourists in the first half of the year, marking a year-on-year increase of 108.6%.

The top three tourist source countries were the United States, Singapore, and the United Kingdom. Notably, the number of foreigners entering the coastal province through visa-free policies increased by 162.02% compared to the previous year.

Jiangsu welcomed the arrival of 1,946 tourist groups during the six months, a 281.07% increase year-on-year.

According to international roaming services by telecom operators, over 5.04 million residents of Jiangsu travelled abroad in the period, marking a 72.25% year-on-year increase. The top three destination countries were Japan, Thailand, and the United States, with the number of trips to Japan and Thailand increasing by 129.56% and 128.36%, respectively.

To further boost inbound tourism, the province’s transportation, immigration administration, and financial departments are planning to introduce more measures, including opening new air routes and facilitating visa applications for travel groups.