Harbin: China’s top economic planner has unveiled a strategic plan to enhance the high-quality development of ice-and-snow tourism in the country’s northeastern region. This initiative, announced on Thursday, aims to attract more foreign tourists by extending the visa-free transit period in Harbin, the capital city of Heilongjiang Province, from 72 hours to 144 hours.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the action plan released by the National Development and Reform Commission underscores the intention to harmonize visa-exempt transit policies across the northeastern region, aligning them with Harbin’s new provisions. The plan is not only aimed at international tourists but also seeks to draw domestic visitors from key areas such as the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, the Yangtze River Delta, and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area to experience the winter attractions of the northeast.
Moreover, the action plan encourages local governments to implement measures that support the promotion of ice-and-
snow tourism. This includes the potential establishment of local holidays dedicated to winter tourism. Additionally, the plan calls for stronger collaboration with travel platforms to further stimulate interest and participation in the region’s winter activities.