Illustration: Chen Xia/Global Times

With the rising trend of inbound tourism in China, the UNESCO-listed Grand Canal in China is poised to become an ideal destination for foreigners to explore Chinese culture. However, addressing this opportunity inevitably involves addressing the issue of making paying for things easier for tourists.

The Grand Canal Tourism Overseas Promotion Season, held in Wuxi, East China's Jiangsu Province, in 2024, has injected new vitality into the internationalization of tourism. This overseas season of events specifically focused on facilitating payment methods for tourists, further highlighting the government's commitment to attracting foreign tourists.

Local authorities proposed a series of measures, including enhancing facilities for accepting various payment methods such as mobile payments, bank cards, and cash at tourist resorts, libraries, museums and art galleries. 

These measures aim to provide foreign visitors with more convenient and comfortable travel experiences. The efforts demonstrate the government's high regard for the development of the tourism industry and underscore its determination and efforts in promoting the internationalization of Grand Canal tourism. 

The Grand Canal, a UNESCO cultural heritage, is poised to become a dazzling gem that attracts global attention. Through continuous efforts to streamline payments and other measures, the prospects of international tourism along the Grand Canal are bound to be even more brilliant.

The section of the Grand Canal Wuxi offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, historical landmarks, and vibrant local life. The canal serves as a bustling hub of activities, with local vendors selling fresh produce, handicrafts, and regional delicacies from colorful boats moored along the water's edge. Visitors can savor the flavors of authentic Jiangnan cuisine while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of this dynamic waterfront marketplace.

The Grand Canal, stretching from Beijing in the north to Hangzhou in the south, holds profound historical and cultural significance for China. Dating back over 1,400 years to the Sui Dynasty (581-618), it stands as one of the world's oldest and longest man-made waterways. 

This monumental engineering feat facilitated transportation, trade, and cultural exchange between the northern and southern regions of China. By connecting the Yellow River, Yangtze River, and numerous other waterways, the Grand Canal served as a vital artery for economic prosperity and political stability during ancient dynasties, enabling the efficient movement of goods, grain, and people across vast distances. 

Its construction not only stimulated economic growth but also fostered cultural exchange and facilitated the spread of ideas, religions, and technology between different regions of China. Cities such as Beijing, Tianjin, and Suzhou owe much of their historical prominence and economic vitality to their position along the Grand Canal.

In recent years, the decision to establish the Grand Canal National Cultural Park has elevated conservation of the Grand Canal cultural heritage to the level of a major national cultural strategy.

As the desire of foreign tourists to visit China continues to grow, the Grand Canal is poised to become an ideal destination for foreigners to explore Chinese culture and experience its traditions. It presents an exciting opportunity to explore the new frontiers of international tourism centered around this World Heritage Site.

Addressing this opportunity involves addressing the issue of payments for tourists.

The prevalence of mobile payment services based on smartphones and other electronic devices has been increasing in China. However, in contrast, in some countries, the development of mobile payment services is not as widespread. Foreign tourists visiting China may find it less convenient to use traditional payment methods, leading to a disparity in payment methods and creating a digital divide between domestic and international travelers.

The government has already implemented corresponding measures in this regard, signaling its approach to facilitating payments for international visitors. 

During a press conference by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism on March 29, the ministry announced its plans to enhance the payment environment in collaboration with banks in China. This initiative aims to promote the establishment of necessary facilities for accepting mobile payments, bank cards, and cash at national 4A-level tourist attractions, national tourist resorts, as well as cultural institutions.

By streamlining payments and enhancing the overall tourist experience, China is positioning itself as a welcoming and accessible destination for global travelers eager to discover the wonders of the Grand Canal and immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Chinese culture.

The author is a reporter with the Global Times. life@globaltimes.com.cn