Inbound tourism surges in E China's Anhui Province

International tourists visit Huaihe River in east China's Anhui Province. (Photo/People's Daily Online)

East China's Anhui Province has become a preferred destination for international visitors as China's visa-free "circle of friends" continues to expand, contributing to the country's inbound tourism boom.

In 2024, Anhui recorded a 94.8 percent increase in international arrivals and a 124.1 percent rise in revenue from overseas tourists, according to provincial tourism officials.

The province, known for natural attractions like Huangshan Mountain and historic villages including Hongcun, has focused on developing convenient travel services and diverse cultural experiences to attract more overseas visitors.

A view of historic Daopashi Street in Anqing, east China's Anhui Province. (Photo/People's Daily Online)

Tourists visit a camping site in Qianshan city, east China's Anhui Province. (Photo/People's Daily Online)

International visitors enjoy cherry blossoms in east China's Anhui Province. (Photo/People's Daily Online)

A foreign visitor watches pottery wares in Doumu township, Qianshan city, east China's Anhui Province. (Photo/People's Daily Online)

An aerial view of the site of the Battle of Gaixia (202 BCE) in east China's Anhui Province. (Photo/People's Daily Online)

Huangshan Tunxi Airport in east China's Anhui Province. (Photo/People's Daily Online)

Hongcun village in Yixian county, Huangshan city, east China's Anhui Province. (Photo/People's Daily Online)

Tourists visit Kuku Park, a culture and commerce hub in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province. (Photo/People's Daily Online)

A pizza restaurant operated by a foreign resident in Yixian county, Huangshan city, east China's Anhui Province. (Photo/People's Daily Online)