(CFP Photo)

The entry and exit trips across Jiangsu Province in the first quarter increased by 1.6 times year-on-year, marking significant growth for five consecutive months, according to Jiangsu Immigration Inspection on April 9.

The province’s border ports handled 1.084 million trips during this period, a 36.4% increase compared to the fourth quarter of 2023.

This surge was fueled by a recovery of tourism market and business activities, boosted by the Spring Festival holiday, visa exemption with countries like Singapore and Thailand, and China’s visa-free policy towards some nations.

Chinese nationals contributed significantly to this increase, and their proportion rose from 75.36% in the same period of 2023 to 84.48% this year.

Chen Xiangyun, director of the Border Inspection Division of Jiangsu Immigration Inspection, mentioned that 84.99% of the trips were managed at airport border ports, with Nanjing Lukou International Airport accounting for 70.87%.

Efforts have been taken to ensure efficient customs clearance, including opening sufficient inspection lanes and establishing special channels for the elderly and children.

Furthermore, border inspection agencies nationwide reported about 2.62 million entry and exit trips by Jiangsu residents, 2.03 times increase year-on-year, recovering to more than 70% of the 2019 level, with only Guangdong and Shanghai ahead.