With China's upgraded visa-free transit policy now allowing travelers from 54 countries to stay for up to 240 hours, Qingdao—especially Shinan district—has emerged as a top destination for short-haul visitors from East Asia.

At the newly opened GT PLAZA mall, South Korean tourist Shin Kyung-joon shared his excitement: "I saw online that it's now easier to travel to China. This is my first time in Qingdao—I hope to visit Beijing and Shanghai next."

In Yinyu Alley, a stylish lane in Shinan's historic Zhongshan Road area, international tourists are flocking to creative local shops. At Haney Windmill Ice Cream, Japanese visitor An Keiko tried unique flavors like "Qingdao tofu" and "Laoshan herbal soda", describing the taste as "strange, but fascinating".

Local businesses are adapting to the shift. At Fufuland Soufflé, staff have received basic English training to better serve foreign guests. "This one is more popular!" said one employee, pointing to the newest dessert item.

To support the tourism boom, Shinan has strengthened its visitor infrastructure. The Shangjieli block on Zhongshan Road now accepts multiple payment methods, including foreign bank cards, e-wallets, cash, and digital RMB. Nearby banks provide currency exchange and card services, ensuring a smooth payment experience for tourists.

Hotels are also benefiting. At the Haitian Hotel, the number of Japanese and South Korean guests has more than doubled. Marketing Director Wang Fangjian highlighted collaborative promotions with nearby merchants and stronger visibility on global travel platforms.

As international tourism continues to grow, Shinan remains committed to enhancing the quality of its services and offering rich, authentic experiences to visitors from around the world.