The convenience of China's 240-hour visa-free transit policy has brought a surge of inbound tourism to many parts of central Henan Province. An increasing number of international visitors are visiting Henan to experience intangible cultural heritages, see Chinese martial arts, and savor local delicacies. 

In a cultural and creative district in the city of Zhengzhou, visitors can make traditional lacquer fans, and enjoy cultural-themed ice creams and spicy crispy tofu. In the city of Dengfeng, an increasing number of international tour groups are coming to experience Chinese martial arts. The large-scale live-action performances integrating kung-fu with natural landscapes offer visitors an immersive artistic experience. The arrival of the tourism season has been marked by an increase in tour groups from Europe, East Asia, Southeast Asia, and more.

TOURIST FROM BULGARIA "It was something one-time in a life, nothing else in the world. We are training also kungfu, also karate, all these sports, Muay Thai, all the expressions of kungfu. There is nothing like this."

SLAV KIRILOV Bulgarian Tour Group Leader "Of course, we are happy. It's always easier without the visa and complication, because before I was here last year, we had to have a visa and we had to show our visa everywhere. We go to train stations, airports. Now it's much easier. So it's much better."

MAO RONGJUN Leader, Scenic Area Dengfeng, Henan "As the weather warms up, the number of international tour groups is steadily increasing. We receive 5 to 6 groups of around 30 people each day. The number of groups has doubled compared to the same period last year."

YANG KUI Border Inspector Zhengzhou, Henan "As of March 26, about 10,000 foreigners entered through Zhengzhou's airports since the 240-hour visa-free policy was implemented last December. This is a 334-percent increase compared to the corresponding period last year."