The ancient Chinese saying, “It is better to see something once than to hear about it 100 times,” (Bai wen bu ru yi jian) aptly underscores the importance of firsthand experience in dispelling myths and fostering genuine understanding. With China’s recent welcome announcement of its expanded visa-free travel policy — offering 10-day entry for travelers from 38 countries — this wisdom takes on renewed relevance as an enlightened step toward dismantling antiquated misconceptions and promoting people-to-people connections.
This policy is not just a boon for global tourism; it serves as a crucial mechanism for cross-cultural exchanges, economic cooperation, and creation of new friendships. It is also a tacit acknowledgment that in an increasingly fragmented world plagued by geopolitical tensions, mutual understanding and dialogue are more urgent than ever. By opening its doors wider, China has demonstrated an admirable willingness to engage with the world on its own soil — a significant gesture that demands recognition and appreciation.
For too long, the narrative surrounding China has been unfairly dominated by shockingly outdated stereotypes and Cold War-era biases, particularly in North America and Western Europe. These skewed narratives often paint an incomplete, inaccurate, and at times grossly misleading portrait of a nation with a splendid 5,000-year-old civilization — a civilization rich in art, philosophy, science and cultural heritage. Too many people in the West know of China through secondhand accounts, filtered through geopolitical lenses or media narratives that prioritize sensationalism over substance.
A visit to China offers a reality that is far more dynamic, nuanced and inspiring than these superficial portrayals. From the breathtaking ingenuity of the Great Wall, the pandas of Sichuan province, the amazing Terracotta Warriors of Xi’an, the different regional flavors of multifaceted and exquisite Chinese cuisine, the Minnan culture of the coastal Fujian province and the thriving technological marvels of cities like Shenzhen and Shanghai, to the peaceful serenity of ancient temples and the bustling streets of modern metropolises, China is a study in contrasts and continuities. It is home to a noble people whose warmth, creativity, industriousness and resilience are often overshadowed by geopolitical headlines. To see this firsthand — whether over a bowl of steaming dumplings in Harbin or on a high-speed train traversing the vast countryside — is to gain a perspective no article, video or politician can truly offer.
Tourism is more than an economic driver; it is a tool for diplomacy. By inviting visitors into their country, the Chinese people open up opportunities for genuine human interaction, fostering friendships that transcend political and cultural divides. The ancient Silk Road was not just a conduit for goods; it was a bridge for ideas, cultures and understanding. China’s new “open door” tourism policy mirrors this ethos, allowing modern travelers to act as bridges in an increasingly polarized world.
To travel is to overcome fear of the unknown. To engage is to embrace possibility. And to see something with one’s own eyes, as the Chinese proverb reminds us, is to know its truth. China’s “open door” policy is not just a gift to global travelers — it is an act of trust and hope for a more-connected, harmonious world
This move comes at a time when global tensions threaten to fracture international cooperation. Misunderstanding breeds fear, and fear breeds division. By encouraging people from 38 nations — including long-time partners and even countries with whom relations have been historically complex — to experience China directly, the country is demonstrating confidence in its vibrant ancient culture, society and bold vision for the future. The policy signals that China is not merely open for business but open to dialogue, friendship and shared growth.
The benefits are multifaceted. Tourism boosts local economies, revitalizes cultural landmarks, and strengthens China’s ties with the global community. For the travelers themselves, the experience will foster deeper understanding and appreciation for the complexities of modern China. More importantly, these travelers will return home as informal ambassadors, equipped with firsthand insights to counter prevailing misconceptions.
It is tragic, however, that many in the West — politicians, media and ordinary citizens — cling to wrong perceptions of China that are decades old. This phenomenon, what some might call the “China paradox”, is rooted in an unwillingness to see China as a partner in progress rather than a competitor or adversary. Yet history has shown that isolationism and misunderstanding yield no winners; engagement and openness, on the other hand, create pathways to peace and progress.
The United States and Western Europe would do well to recognize the value of China’s expanded visa-free policy as a gateway to greater mutual understanding. Travel advisory warnings, allegations of “arbitrary law enforcement”, and lingering Cold War suspicions only serve to deepen unnecessary divisions. In contrast, encouraging citizens to visit, engage and see China for themselves will lead to healthier, more-constructive relations.
China’s decision to broaden visa-free access to more countries is a reflection of its longstanding belief in hospitality and exchange. The Tang Dynasty (618-907), often regarded as a golden age of Chinese civilization, welcomed traders, scholars and travelers from across the world to its cities. This open-minded spirit led to flourishing exchanges of knowledge, art and commerce. Today, China’s new “open door” echoes this legacy while embracing the realities of the 21st century.
At a time when some other nations are tragically tightening borders and retreating into protectionism, China’s policy stands as a bold and refreshing reminder that global challenges require global solutions and international cooperation. Whether in tackling economic recovery, climate change or cultural misunderstandings, China is extending an invitation to engage, learn and build together, which the West should ideally welcome and reciprocate.
As borders reopen and international travel rebounds, the expanded 10-day visa-free entry is an opportunity not to be missed. For those who have long wanted to see China but were deterred by the past hurdles of visa applications, now is the time to seize the chance. For many North Americans and Europeans who have only “heard” about China, there is no substitute for direct experience. A single visit can challenge preconceived notions, foster understanding, and open hearts to the beauty and depth of a nation often misunderstood.
To travel is to overcome fear of the unknown. To engage is to embrace possibility. And to see something with one’s own eyes, as the Chinese proverb reminds us, is to know its truth. China’s “open door” policy is not just a gift to global travelers — it is an act of trust and hope for a more-connected, harmonious world.
Now is the time to visit fascinating China — and to see in person what many have only heard about.
The author is an economics and politics analyst, an award-winning columnist of the Philippine Star and Abante newspapers, and moderator of the Pandesal Forum.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.
