Northeast China's Liaoning Province is attracting an increasing number of overseas travelers for longer stays by leveraging abundant ice and snow tourism resources and flexible visa policies.

Following the 240-hour visa-free transit policy in province's capital Shenyang and port city Dalian, starting Dec 1, the Exit-Entry Administration under Shenyang Public Security Bureau further optimized its services, allowing foreign tourists to obtain a stay extension of up to 30 days after submitting their travel plans.

At the administration's service hall, Omar Salazar Mendoza, a Mexican traveler who was processing his business, was attracted by a local winter tourism brochure and immediately planned to extend his stay in China after learning that his visa could be easily extended.

"Because now it's more convenient. My wife's family is from [China], so we can meet the family. My favorite [Chinese food] is (switching to Chinese) guobaorou (a fried pork dish in a sweet-and-sour sauce), tieguodun (stewed meat and vegetables), and jiaozi (dumplings)," he said.
"Before I came here, I thought I would have to pass through a lot of procedures, but it's actually very easy. You just have to fill out a form, and everything is very easy. At first, I was going to stay a few days, but now, because there is the new policy, I am going to extend for one more month so I can see the snow and have fun on vacation," said Abduwe Kenza, a Moroccan traveler who was also attracted by the favorable policy.

According to the Liaoning border inspection station, from January to early June, visa-free entry for foreign tourists has accounted for 70 percent of all foreign tourists entering Liaoning Province, an eightfold increase compared to the same period last year.

"Foreigners holding tourist visas or those granted visa-free entry only need to submit their travel itinerary to apply for visa extensions through our one-stop service. During this period, they can continue their travels in Shenyang without interruption. We can mail the extended visa directly to them," a border officer said.

The Exit-Entry Administration of Shenyang Public Security Bureau has also launched a multilingual AI guide system, providing foreign nationals with living and travel guidance in 10 languages.

"I have many friends whose Chinese isn't very good yet, so they can come here and ask the AI for help. It can help you with everything, such as opening a bank account, applying for a visa, finding a fun place or a good restaurant, and it even tells you approximately how much a subway ticket costs," said a Belarusian traveler.