On November 8, 2024, China officially piloted the visa-exemption policy to South Korea. Data from Qingdao Airport Immigration Inspection Bureau show that more than 57,000 South Korean passengers have entered China through Qingdao Airport in the mere two months ended on January 7, 2025. On weekends, many tourists speaking Korean can be found in such sought-after attractions as the May Fourth Square, Mixc and Taidong Pedestrian Street.

Designated as the tourism and cultural capital of the SCO, Qingdao, a city where mountains, seas and cityscape co-exist in harmony, history and culture echoes each other, and a myriad of tastes and flavors such as seafood and beer can be enjoyed, is on track to becoming an international coastal tourism destination and appeals very much to foreign tourists. “Although I have been to China twice, I feel joyful this time because it is visa-free. After getting off the plane, I finished going through all formalities in a very short time. The experience is comfortable.” said Kim Myong-Chol, a South Korean passengers, who plans to stay in Qingdao for a one-week tour.

To facilitate its efforts to serve as an opening-up gateway in northern China and build an international comprehensive transport hub city, Qingdao has been giving play to its role as a gateway hub for Japan, South Korea and SCO member states. Since the start of 2024, a total of more than 20 international routes have been opened or operated with added flights for Qingdao to access Seoul, Busan, Cheju, Osaka, Tokyo, Fukuoka, Nha Trang, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Dubai.  (Zhou Jianliang)

Police officers from the Qingdao Airport Immigration Inspection Bureau help passengers to go through formalities.