In conjunction with Beijing's new 72-hour visa-free policy for transit travelers, the Municipal Commission of Tourism Development is hosting events to enhance the image of the Chinese capital as an international tourist destination with lots to do and see.

Beijing Tourism in Toronto on Tuesday and New York on Thursday featured "kung fu panda" dances along with a variety of martial arts and choreography related to landmarks in Beijing.

The commission's Zhou Weinan said promoting tourism should be as much fun as a trip itself.

"We're looking forward to organizing more events of this type in the future," he said. "Introducing the tourism resources and urban image of the city to international tourists and North American visitors can improve Beijing's international standing."

Last year, Beijing welcomed 700,000 travelers from the United States, the biggest single source of inbound visitors, according to MCTD data.

To reach would-be tourists, the commission has sponsored events in several locations across the US, including the New Year's countdown in Manhattan's Times Square, the Three Tenors of China performing at Lincoln Center and a major event at Universal Studios in Los Angeles.