By Zeng Fangzhou, with correspondents Li Qin and Liu Youxuan
　　
　　"Now that there’s the new visa-free policy, everything’s so convenient! I’d like my parents to marvel at the charm of Nanchang, and we’ll definitely try local specialties like Nanchang-style soup and rice noodles," said Daria, an international student from Russia.
　　She shared her experiences in the city and her travel plans with officers from the Exit-Entry Administration Division of the Nanchang Public Security Bureau in Jiangxi province during the bureau’s policy outreach activities at the Tengwang Pavilion tourist area, where Daria was visiting with friends.
　　With the implementation of the visa-free transit policy issued by the National Immigration Administration on December 17, 2024, Nanchang Changbei International Airport has been officially designated as one of the 21 ports for the 240-hour visa-free transit for foreign nationals. The innovative policy, together with personalized safety services has added to the hospitality of the heroic city. All foreigners there including tourists, scholars and employees have discovered their own unique "Nanchang story.".

　　More Dedicated Service Windows
　　What is the 240-hour visa-free transit policy? In simple terms, it allows eligible travelers from 54 countries to enter China without a visa when transiting to a third country or region. These travelers can choose any of the 60 designated ports across 24 provinces, autonomous regions, or municipalities. Under this policy, the permitted stay for visa-free transit passengers has been extended from the original 72 or 144 hours to 240 hours (10 days).
　　Additionally, 21 new ports have been added to the list of eligible exit-entry points. During their stay, travelers can engage in tourism, business, visits, or family reunions within the designated regions.
　　On January 10, Mr. Zeng, a Mexican citizen of Chinese descent, visited the immigration service hall to apply for a visa as his 240-hour visa-free transit period was nearing expiration. Hoping for more time to care for his elderly father, he requested an extension. The Exit-Entry Administration Division of the Nanchang Public Security Bureau responded promptly, issuing him a stay permit at the service window for 240-hour visa-free transit passengers.
　　"We opened this service window to help foreigners who need to stay longer or do more than the usual activities get their stay permits quickly, as long as they have their documents ready," said Xiong Zhenxian, deputy chief of the Division.
　　As one of the newly added ports, Nanchang Changbei International Airport brings greater convenience to foreign travelers and injects fresh momentum into the city’s drive toward internationalization. To ensure effective implementation of the policy, Nanchang’s public security authorities have introduced a comprehensive, multi-tiered service system.
　　In addition, the Nanchang public security authorities have intensified publicity efforts for the 240-hour visa-free transit policy, striving to provide foreign travelers with a better travel environment and service experience. The city has printed 100 promotional posters and 1,000 brochures, which have been distributed around Nanchang through exit-entry service halls, immigration service centers, major foreign-facing hotels, and 18 universities hosting international students, to ensure broad awareness of the policy.
　　To boost Nanchang’s appeal as a destination for inbound tourism, the Nanchang Public Security Bureau, together with relevant departments, has thoroughly upgraded services related to permanent residence cards, work permits, and residence permits. Additionally, convenient practices such as appointment scheduling, off-peak processing, and flexible acceptance of incomplete documents have been routinely implemented to ensure timely and seamless service for international travelers.
　　"I had thought it would take three months. I never expected they’d finish everything while I was still in bed!" In November 2024, Mark, a German engineer working at a Sino-foreign joint venture in Nanchang, was hospitalized due to a sudden illness. He was unable to personally handle the renewal process for his expiring permit.
　　At this, the Exit-Entry Division quickly coordinated with the hospital and foreign affairs department to activate a multi-department coordination mechanism. They verified Mark’s condition, obtained his medical records, and arranged for officers to bring mobile processing equipment to the hospital the following day.
　　Under the attending physician’s supervision, the officers completed the entire process on-site, including fingerprint collection and document verification. This humane and efficient service has since become a widely praised example of "Nanchang efficiency" among local foreign-invested enterprises.

　　Multilingual Services
　　"China is very safe, and the police here are amazing!" said a foreign national who sought help from Shajing Police Station on February 3, after accidentally leaving his laptop, passport, and other valuables on a shared bicycle. Officers quickly launched an investigation and successfully recovered the lost items, earning the man’s heartfelt thanks.
　　With the rollout of the visa-free transit policy, the number of foreign visitors at popular sites like the Tengwang Pavilion has steadily increased. In response, the Nanchang public security authorities have introduced a series of measures to support the sustainable growth of the city’s inbound tourism market, making Nanchang a desired destination for international travelers.
　　At the foreign tourist service center in the Tengwang Pavilion tourist area, the Nanchang Public Security Bureau has installed a multilingual signboard displaying the names, titles, and contact information of officers from the exit-entry administration departments, along with the liaison officer from the local police station. The information is presented in English, Japanese, and Korean, aiming to provide one-stop services for foreign nationals—including travel consultation, translation assistance, and legal support.
　　"It’s not just at the Tengwang Pavilion. We’ve also opened foreign tourist service centers at other popular attractions such as the Haihunhou State Archaeological Site Park from the Han Dynasty and the Bada Shanren Memorial Hall," said Tan Xi, an officer with the Exit-Entry Administration Division of the Nanchang Public Security Bureau. "This helps us quickly assist foreign visitors whenever they need it." Data shows that temporary accommodation registrations by foreign nationals in Nanchang from January to April 2025 increased by 33.19% compared to the same period last year.
　　In addition, the Exit-Entry Administration Division, working alongside the Jiangxi Public Security Department and the Jiangxi branch of the People’s Bank of China, is piloting a foreigner payment service center at Nanchang Changbei Airport. The center will gradually expand its services, including attraction reservations, SIM card activation, and mobile payments, steadily enhancing convenience and the overall experience for foreign visitors in Nanchang.■
　　
　　（Translated by Wei Dong）