China introduced at the end of 2024 the unilateral visa exemption policy for Romanian citizens, and driven by this move, the number of Romanian tourists who visited this country between January and August 2025 increased by almost 80%, ambassador of the People's Republic of China in Bucharest, Chen Feng, said on Friday at the opening of the China 2025 Tourism Fair at the Chinese Cultural Center in Bucharest.

The China Tourism Fair, an event dedicated to promoting tourism, culture and bilateral cooperation between the two countries is taking place from Friday to Sunday. The fair is organized in partnership with Romania's National Travel Agencies Association (ANAT).

At the end of 2024, China introduced the unilateral visa-free policy for Romanian citizens, and between January and August of this year, the number of Romanian tourists visiting China increased by almost 80%. At the same time, the Romanian side actively participated in international tourism fairs organized in China, promoting Romania's image and significantly contributing to increasing the vitality of bilateral relations between China and Romania, relations that all carry promising opportunities, said the Chinese diplomat.

He brought to mind that in 1951, an intergovernmental agreement on cultural cooperation was signed, setting the direction for the development of bilateral relations in the tourism sector. In 1978, the governments of the two countries officially signed a cooperation agreement in the field of tourism, and in 2004 the two sides concluded a Memorandum of Understanding on the implementation program for organized tourism of Chinese citizens in Romania. In the same year, Romania was included by China on the list of tourist destinations for Chinese citizens traveling abroad, marking the entry of bilateral tourist relations into a stage of systematic development.

ANAT president Alin Burcea said that the organization he represents wishes to facilitate tourist flows between the two countries and to strengthen partnerships between Romanian and Chinese agencies.

'As president of ANAT, I firmly believe that tourism is not just an industry - it is a form of human diplomacy, a force for rapprochement between nations. And today, Romania and China demonstrate that they can walk this path together, with respect, curiosity and a sincere desire to discover each other. I invite you to be not just participants, but builders of bridges between people, cultures and dreams in these days. Let us open this new stage together - one of friendship and inspiration, in which Romanian-Chinese tourism becomes a shared story about trust, beauty and the future,' declared Burcea.

Xu Ningbo, director of the Chinese Cultural Center in Bucharest, said that the first edition of the China Tourism Fair aims to create a B2B and B2C cooperation and exchange platform for tourism professionals and the general public interested in Chinese destinations.

According to him, the tourism event has three main characteristics: focusing on professional partnerships and efficient cooperation; opening up to the general public and stimulating interest in tourism in China; authentic cultural experiences and an immersive atmosphere.

For three days, visitors are invited to discover the most spectacular tourist destinations in China, from Beijing and Shanghai to Guilin, Zhangjiajie, Xinjiang or Hainan, along with special holiday offers, presentations and authentic cultural experiences: tea workshops, calligraphy demonstrations and Chinese gastronomy.

The event brings together Romanian and Chinese travel agencies, airlines and cultural institutions, turning into a unique meeting platform for tourism professionals and the public passionate about discoveries.

According to official data, in the first seven months of 2025, approximately 36,000 Romanian tourists visited China, marking a 78% increase compared to the same period of the previous year. Last year, 35,000 Romanians traveled to China, double compared to 2023 - a clear sign of the re-emerging and growing interest in Asian destinations, the organizers note.

The most popular itineraries for Romanians include Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai, Guilin/Yangshuo, Zhangjiajie, Chengdu (with the famous panda bears), but also more exotic routes such as Xinjiang, Yunnan or Hainan Island. Among the favorite experiences are high-speed train trips, cultural circuits, traditional festivals and spectacular natural landscapes.

According to experts, China is becoming increasingly interesting for Romanian tourists, who are looking for exotic, safe and culturally spectacular destinations.

The new Chinese destinations recommended for the Romanian market in 2025 - 2026 include: the Gansu Silk Road - a section of the ancient Silk Road, with the cities of Dunhuang, Jiayuguan and Zhangye Danxia; Xinjiang - a spectacular region with mountain landscapes, blue lakes and multicultural traditions (Kashgar, Tianshan, Sayram Lake); Northeast China - for winter tourism and the Harbin Ice Festival, but also the Yabuli ski resort; Guizhou - a natural jewel of southern China, with karst formations and impressive waterfalls (Huangguoshu Falls, Libo); The Qinghai-Gansu Loop, which offers ecotourism and spiritual experiences; Fujian - a unique combination of Tulou architecture and the mountain landscapes of Wuyishan; Greater Bay Area - China's new urban and economic hub, including Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Hong Kong.

According to data provided by the National Institute of Statistics and presented at the press conference, 21,682 Chinese tourists came to Romania in the first half of 2025 - the largest number of visitors from Asia. The main regions visited by them are Bucharest, Brasov, Sibiu, the Black Sea coast, Maramures, Bucovina and the Danube Delta, and their favorite attractions include Bran Castle, Peles Castle, the old center of the capital, Sighisoara and the Turda Salt Mine. Chinese tourists spend on average two to three nights in Romania, and their interest in cultural, nature, gastronomic and wellness tourism is constantly growing.

In 2024, China received 26.9 million foreign tourists, with average spending of approximately 3,000 euros/tourist. The average length of stay is 6-10 nights, and tourists enjoy the ideal combination of history, technology and hospitality.

In its turn, Romania is consolidating its position as a destination of interest in Central and Eastern Europe for the Chinese market, through the thematic routes 'Dracula and the Castles of Transylvania', UNESCO site tours, authentic rural experiences and local gastronomy.

Chinese and Romanian authorities are increasingly discussing joint promotional projects, exhibitions, cultural exchanges and training programs for Chinese and Romanian-speaking guides.

Compared to neighboring countries, Romania has a distinct tourism potential that is increasingly recognized by the Chinese market, due to its natural and cultural diversity.

Romania stands out through a unique mix of castles, medieval towns, Carpathian landscapes and the biodiversity of the Danube Delta - a natural and cultural heritage that recommends it as a memorable destination for Chinese tourists interested in history, legend and nature.

The brand linked to the 'Dracula myth' and ecological tourism in the Delta provide Romania a competitive edge and opportunities for integration into common circuits with Hungary, Serbia and Bulgaria, thus piecing together attractive regional routes for Asian tourists.

The China Tourism Fair 2025 is open to the general public, and access is free. Visitors will be able to participate in workshops, tastings and cultural shows, as well as presentations by the main tourism companies from China and Romania. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Cristian Anghelache; EN - writing by: Simona Klodnischi)