China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism is working to provide a more convenient travel experience for foreign visitors, with a particular focus on mobile payments.
Minister Sun Yeli made the comments during the annual Two Sessions political event. "Our aim is to offer foreign tourists the same level of ease as locals when it comes to dining, accommodation and transportation," Sun told reporters at the Ministers' Corridor held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
"We've become so accustomed to digital transactions that a 'reversed digital gap' has emerged between us and foreign visitors," he explained.
To address this, the government is upgrading the national digital payment system based on three key principles: credit cards for larger transactions, QR codes for smaller purchases, and the continued availability of cash as a backup.
Sun highlighted the government's commitment to a seamless travel experience. "We're conducting a comprehensive review of the entire foreign entry process to identify and resolve any potential obstacles," he said. "Welcome to China," he added in English.