In a world where some societies are tragically retreating into protectionism and insularity, China’s recent decision to open its doors wider to Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) tourists is a breath of fresh air.

By granting visa-free access to tour groups visiting the exotic and culturally rich Xishuangbanna autonomous prefecture in Yunnan province, China has demonstrated openness, pragmatism, and strategic foresight. This move not only boosts tourism but also fosters deeper understanding, stability and cooperation between China and its Southeast Asian neighbors.

Tourism is more than just an economic activity; it is a powerful tool for diplomacy, cultural exchange and mutual understanding. As China continues to expand unilateral visa-free access to 38 countries — including nations in Europe — it sends a clear message: Openness is the antidote to misunderstanding, fear and misinformation.

The new visa-free policy for ASEAN tour groups is a masterstroke in leveraging tourism as a driver of economic growth and rural development.

By granting visa-free access to (ASEAN) tour groups visiting the exotic and culturally rich Xishuangbanna autonomous prefecture in Yunnan province, China has demonstrated openness, pragmatism, and strategic foresight. This move not only boosts tourism but also fosters deeper understanding, stability and cooperation between China and its Southeast Asian neighbors

Xishuangbanna, with its lush landscapes, vibrant Dai minority culture, and rich biodiversity, is a jewel in China’s southwestern frontier. By opening this region to ASEAN tourists, China is not only stimulating the local economy but also preserving and promoting its unique folk cultures.

Tourism is a dynamic sector that creates jobs, supports small businesses, and fosters infrastructure development. For rural areas like Xishuangbanna, the influx of tourists can transform local livelihoods, turning remote villages into thriving hubs of cultural exchange. This aligns perfectly with China’s broader goals of rural revitalization and sustainable development.

But the benefits extend far beyond economics. Tourism is one of the most effective forms of public diplomacy. As ASEAN visitors explore Xishuangbanna’s tea plantations, Buddhist temples and tropical rainforests, they gain firsthand insights into Chinese life and society. These experiences debunk insidious black propaganda and dispel the ignorance perpetuated by some Western mainstream and social media outlets — what Singaporean intellectual Kishore Mahbubani has aptly described as “Anglo-Saxon media”.

In an era of geopolitical tensions and misinformation campaigns, tourism serves as a bridge between cultures. It allows people to see beyond stereotypes and biases, fostering mutual respect and understanding.

As the ancient Chinese proverb goes, “Traveling 10,000 miles is better than reading 10,000 books.” Indeed, nothing compares to the authenticity of firsthand experience.

China’s recent visa-free policies for Western countries are equally significant. Despite decades of globalization, many in the West still harbor deep-seated biases and irrational fears about China, fueled by sensationalist media narratives. By welcoming more foreign visitors, China is inviting the world to see its true face — a society of resilience, innovation, nonstop reforms, Chinese-style democracy and cultural richness.

The visa-free policy for ASEAN tourists is a testament to the strength and potential of the ASEAN-China relationship. As two of the most dynamic regions in the world, ASEAN and China share a long history of cultural and economic ties. Tourism is one of the most visible and impactful aspects of this win-win partnership.

During the 2025 Spring Festival holiday, China recorded 958,000 cross-border trips by foreigners — a 22.9 percent increase from the previous year. This surge in travel underscores the growing appetite for cultural exchange and economic collaboration.

By facilitating easier access for ASEAN tourists, China is not only boosting its own tourism industry but also strengthening its comprehensive strategic partnership with ASEAN.

The long-term benefits of stable, economics-focused cooperation between ASEAN and China cannot be overstated. Tourism is just one piece of the puzzle, but it is a vital one. It creates jobs, builds bridges, and fosters goodwill. As China continues to open its doors, it sets an example for other nations to follow.

In a world increasingly divided by protectionism and mistrust, the China-ASEAN tourism exchange is a wellspring of hope. It reminds us that openness and cooperation are the keys to peace and prosperity. Let us celebrate this bold step forward and look forward to a future in which borders are bridges, not barriers.

After all, as the saying goes, “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” China and ASEAN are writing a glorious, new chapter together — one of understanding, stability and shared growth.

The author is an economics and politics analyst, an award-winning columnist of the Philippine Star and Abante newspapers, a book author, real estate entrepreneur, and moderator of the Pandesal Forum.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.