Foreign visitors pose for a group photo at a tourist spot in Beijing, China, January 31, 2026. /VCG
China's Foreign Ministry on Friday welcomed the growing global fascination with Chinese lifestyle after "Becoming Chinese" emerged as a viral trend across social media.
It is delightful to see more foreigners eager to experience China's development and everyday life, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said at a press conference.
He noted that for many overseas visitors, understanding China now goes far beyond traditional symbols such as the Great Wall, pandas or cuisine.
Foreign visitors can enjoy the convenience of a highly digitalized society, including mobile payments and high-speed transport, while also experiencing the cultural depth of Chinese daily life, the spokesperson said.
From high-speed rail and 5G networks to lesser-known hidden gem cities and traditional cultural heritage, the mix of history and modernity offers a unique experience that continues to enhance China's attractiveness, he added.
According to official data cited by Lin, China recorded more than 82 million foreign entries and exits in 2025, up 26.4 percent year on year, while visa-free entries rose by nearly 50 percent.
With the Year of the Horse around the corner, Lin said China warmly welcomes foreign visitors to celebrate the holiday in the country. He noted that flight bookings by foreign travelers to China for the Spring Festival period have surged by more than 400 percent in the past two weeks.
CHOOSE YOUR LANGUAGE
互联网新闻信息许可证10120180008
Disinformation report hotline: 010-85061466