A Hangzhou Border Inspection officer introduces immigration policies to a foreign traveler. [Photo/tidenews.com.cn]

With the UNESCO recognition of Chinese New Year as an Intangible Cultural Heritage item, Hangzhou has seen a surge in international visitors eager to experience traditional festivities.

From Chinese New Year's Eve to the 14th day of the first lunar month, over 8,000 foreign travelers entered Hangzhou, many drawn by the city's rich intangible cultural heritage tourism.

At Hangzhou International Airport, immigration officers provided multilingual assistance, while festive gifts like lanterns and Chinese knots welcomed arrivals. "The entry process was incredibly smooth," said a traveler from Malaysia, visiting specifically for the Lantern Festival. A South Korean visitor, returning to Hangzhou for the holiday, praised the airport's upgraded, smart facilities.

According to Hangzhou Border Inspection, from Jan 28 to Feb 11, total cross-border passenger traffic exceeded 240,000, with daily averages surpassing 15,000 – a 25-percent increase from usual levels. Notably, the number of visa-free arrivals grew 50 percent year-over-year, reaching 3,000.

To accommodate the rise in heritage tourism, Hangzhou has expanded its language services to include dialects like Cantonese, Hakka, and Minnan, ensuring a warm, seamless entry experience for international visitors. Authorities are also enhancing self-service immigration tools and boosting awareness of visa-free policies, reinforcing Hangzhou's status as a welcoming global gateway.

Hangzhou Border Inspection officers gift a post with Chinese New Year blessings to a foreign traveler. [Photo/WeChat account: ZJBJZZ]