In November last year, China decided to pilot an expansion of unilateral visa exemptions, implementing a visa-free policy for holders of ordinary passports from six countries including Germany. From December 1, 2023, to November 30, 2024, citizens from these countries with ordinary passports can enter China for business, tourism, visiting relatives, and transit for up to 15 days without a visa.

This change has excited travel agencies, spurring them to organize more inbound tours from Germany to Nanjing.

On March 31st, a group of 31 German tourists arrived in Nanjing, eager to explore the city in springtime. This is the largest European tour group Nanjing has hosted since 2020.

They sailed on the Qinhuai River, admiring the colorful lanterns and feeling the gentle waves beneath them, immersing themselves in Nanjing’s charm. “The nighttime lights in Nanjing are stunning, and the hospitality here has been outstanding, leaving a lasting impression on all of us,”  said Paul Heck, one of the German tourists.