First group of South Korean tourists entering China via Zhengzhou airport visit Southern Taihang Mountains in Xinxiang

First group of South Korean tourists entering China via Zhengzhou airport visit Southern Taihang Mountains in Xinxiang

首批从郑州入境韩国游客打卡新乡南太行

"The flight is a straight line that arrived on time without any delay and stopping," said visitor Wu on September 15 after arriving at Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport on the inaugural charter flight run by Jin Air from Cheongju, South Korea. The first group of 131 South Korean tourists benefiting from the 144-hour visa-free transit policy kicked off a two-day journey in Xinxiang to enjoy the stunning scenery of the Southern Taihang Mountains.

“坐飞机来时没有延误，直接到达，特别方便。”9月15日，来自韩国的游客吴正成乘坐韩国真航空公司“清州—郑州”首航包机成功降落郑州新郑国际机场。首批享受144小时过境免签政策便利的131名韩国游客，开启了两天的探索新乡南太行绝美风光的旅程。

The 144-hour visa-free transit policy is an initiative implemented by the Chinese government to facilitate entry and exit for international tourists and to promote international exchange and cooperation. Since July 15, the 144-hour visa-free transit policy has been implemented at Zhengzhou airport for travelers from 54 countries. This has led to an increasing number of international tourists to explore Henan’s historical sites, enjoy natural landscapes and experience local customs, bringing new vitality into the local tourism market.

144小时过境免签，是我国政府为便利外国人出入境、促进国际交流与合作而实施的一项政策。自7月15日起，郑州航空口岸对54个国家实施144小时过境免签政策，越来越多的外国游客到河南观历史遗迹、赏自然风光、体验民风民俗，为河南旅游市场注入了新的活力。

The scenic area of Southern Taihang Mountains in Xinxiang was the first stop for the South Korean tourists. During their stay, Wu and the other 130 tourists visited attractions such as Tianjie Mountain and the Taihang Grand Canyon, spending a unique Mid-Autumn Festival in Henan. The scenic area also provided free mooncakes to the South Korean tourists, creating a Chinese traditional culture atmosphere for the tourists.

新乡南太行景区是本次韩国游客到达河南后的第一站，吴正成等131名韩国游客先后“打卡”天界山、太行大峡谷等地，在河南度过一个不一样的中秋佳节。据了解，景区还为韩国游客免费发放了月饼，让他们在欣赏美景的同时也感受到中国传统节日的浓厚氛围。

"In the past, the South Korean tourists had to enter China through cities like Beijing, Shijiazhuang, and Qingdao. This time, the charter flight arrived directly at Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport, so that the travelers can easily reach the scenic areas in Xinxiang by shuttle bus. The scenic areas also provide one-stop transfer service, saving much time for international tourists." According to a staff member from Xinxiang Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism, the key locations in the city, including tourist resorts, scenic spots, star-rated hotels, and cultural venues, have installed POS machines and ATMs that support international bank cards and set up currency exchange points to continually enhance the convenience of payment for inbound tourists.

“之前韩国游客需要从北京、石家庄、青岛等城市入境，这次包机直达郑州新郑国际机场，乘坐旅游包车就可以直达景区。景区也给游客提供了一站式的换乘服务，大大减少了国外游客的在途时间。”新乡市文化广电和旅游局相关负责人介绍，目前全市旅游度假区、旅游景区、星级酒店以及文博场馆等重点场所设置了外卡POS机、ATM机或外币兑换点，不断提升入境游支付便利化水平。（中文来源/河南日报 记者/赵振杰 编译/杨佳欣 审校/焦丹 赵汉青）