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At a time when more people overseas are showing a growing interest in daily life in China and the country's livability through social media and first-hand experiences, China on Thursday said it warmly welcomes foreign visitors to experience the Spring Festival in China.

File photo: Chinese foreign ministry

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian made the remark during a regular press conference when asked about the recent popularity of "Becoming Chinese" videos on global social media platforms and comments by foreign media correspondents during UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's visit to China.

"Glad to see that more and more foreign friends show interest in experiencing today's China and exploring the Chinese people's everyday life here, and that they have the opportunity to do so," said Lin. He noted that for many visitors, understanding China has long gone beyond traditional symbols such as the Great Wall, kung fu, pandas and Chinese cuisine. In China, foreign visitors can enjoy the convenience of digital services while also having a taste of Chinese lifestyle with a sense of inner fulfillment.

"They have been impressed by major infrastructure projects such as high-speed railways and 5G technology, while also exploring lesser-known cities," Lin added.

At the same time, they have opportunities to engage with emerging technologies and gain first-hand experience of China's intangible cultural heritage, Lin said.

The integration of tradition and modernity has continued to enhance China's appeal as a global travel destination. In 2025, foreign inbound and outbound trips topped 82 million, up 26.4 percent year on year, while visa-free entries increased by nearly 50 percent, Lin noted.

Lin added that the Spring Festival is a "super IP" of Chinese culture, and with the upcoming Year of the Horse Spring Festival, bookings for flights to China by foreign travelers over the past two weeks have surged by more than 400 percent year on year.

"We warmly welcome foreign friends to come to China for the Spring Festival and experience the country's hospitality and festive atmosphere," Lin said.