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New Singapore-China visa-free travel agreement draws mixed reactions; experts don't foresee influx of Chinese tourists

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SINGAPORE — Travelling to visit his family back in Dalian and Hainan in China during the throes of Covid-19 restrictions in 2020 and 2021 was a “massive hassle to deal with”, said 27-year-old Xu Yuchuan. 

Travellers in the arrival area of Changi Airport in Singapore.

• Singapore and China have agreed on a mutual 30-day visa-free travel arrangement come 2024 
• This announcement brought much joy to those with families in China, allowing them to visit more often
• Some youths TODAY spoke to said the news has piqued their interest in travelling to China  
• Travel experts believe this new arrangement will boost tourism for both countries

Between 2020 and 2021, Mr Xu could not travel to China to visit his family because of the Covid-19 restrictions. When these were lifted in 2022, travelling to China still required a laundry list of documents that needed to be notarised by various authorities.

There were also seemingly countless polymerase chain reaction tests and antigen rapid tests that needed to be done, all of which made it very difficult for Mr Xu to see his family. 

“My mum was especially upset because my grandparents are very old, so every year that we get to see them is precious,” said Mr Xu. 

The announcement on Dec 7 that Singapore and China have agreed on a mutual, 30-day visa-free travel arrangement brought much cheer to those with families in China. 

This was among the 24 agreements announced at a forum by the Joint Council for Bilateral Cooperation held in China. The council was also co-chaired by Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong for the first time. 

Since late July, China has resumed the 15-day visa-free facility for Singaporeans travelling to China on ordinary passports for business, tourism, family visits and transit purposes. 

The arrangement was suspended for more than three years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“As someone who came from China and is now a Singaporean citizen, this is great news,” said Mr Xu. “Most of my family are in China, and this allows me to visit them for a longer period of time without having to worry about the two-week constraint.”

While the news is heartening for some, for those with no ties in China, the new arrangements did little to pique their interest in travelling to China.

Ms Amanda Ng, 27, said that the new arrangements change little for her because when she thinks of China, it is usually for the purposes of a holiday and nothing else. 

The marketing executive added: “I wouldn’t do holidays past 15 days because of work commitments. Hence, the extension isn’t a big deal for me.”

In light of the news, some experts TODAY spoke to said this new arrangement will boost the tourism sectors of both countries. 

However, one expert doubts if this new arrangement will “move the inbound needle drastically”, given that Singapore is still an expensive destination compared with other Southeast Asian countries like Thailand or Malaysia. 

MIXED RESPONSES FROM YOUTHS 

The mutual 30-day visa-free arrangement was also met with mixed reactions. 

Mr Xu, who has family in China, is elated at the news. The arrangement would allow him to visit his family up to two to three times a year instead of once a year as he does now. 

“I’ll go back more to visit my family or just for vacation. I’m self-employed, so my schedule is very flexible,” said Mr Xu. 

For Rebekka Lim, a 17-year-old social work student at Nanyang Polytechnic, she would be more keen to travel to China. 

“I’ve really been wanting to go to some other country ever since I graduated from secondary school,” she said. 

Besides visa-free travel between Singapore and China, one of the agreements announced during the forum was to enhance student exchange programmes, especially in science and technology.

While that was interesting to Rebekka, as a social work student, she hopes there would be support for student exchanges in her field. 

“I think it would be interesting to see their social work system. It is similar to my school’s overseas trip to Japan to visit a university and see their social work course,” she added. 

Ms Valerie Ng, 28, called the arrangement between Singapore and China “a bold move” that is great for people who frequently do business in China and those with families there. 

However, she questioned if the agreement would “run the risk of tipping Singapore’s tourism industry to be overdependent on Chinese tourists”. 

TOURISM BOON FOR BOTH COUNTRIES?

While experts agree that this change will boost tourism in both countries, there might not be a massive spike in Chinese tourists to Singapore.

Mr Christopher Khoo, managing director at tourism consultancy MasterConsult Services, said: “The China outbound market is much slower in taking off for a couple of reasons. China was the last country to lift Covid travel restrictions, and the Chinese turned instead to domestic tourism, which benefitted greatly during the Covid-19 years.” 

He added that the Chinese economy is not as “exuberant” as it was pre-Covid, which translates into hesitancy and probably less disposable income for Chinese citizens.

Dr Kevin Cheong, an adjunct lecturer at the Singapore Management University, said the arrangement will “reduce one of the barriers” to visit Singapore.

“It should bring in more Chinese tourists, but I do not know if it will move the inbound needle drastically. The costs of travel such as airfare and accommodations and the exchange rate make Singapore a rather expensive destination compared with Thailand, Malaysia and Japan,” he said.

It might be the opposite for Singaporeans travelling to China, and the interest in China would only grow, Dr Cheong added.

“Post Covid-19, people go for long holidays,” he said. “They want to see more exotic places, and we tend not to put off the trips. We are now 'living it up' more so than before.”

Dr Cheong hopes that airfares will “soften” as more people travel, so that flights between Singapore and China become more affordable, thus increasing the traffic between both countries.

“I anticipate Chinese tourists coming to Singapore for business and possibly using Singapore as the springboard to the region and beyond,” he added.

Travel site Trip.com said that the search volume for "Singapore" increased by 80 per cent in the hour after the announcement of the news compared with the hour before. 

Flight ticket searches and hotel searches also went up by 90 per cent and 50 per cent, respectively, said Ms Ru Yi, general manager of Trip.com in Singapore.

“Singapore is a popular destination for Chinese outbound tourism and an important source of inbound tourism,” said Ms Ru.

“Tourist-friendly policies such as this will definitely spur international travel as they remove a pain point in the travel planning process, and we look forward to the start of visa-free travel between Singapore and China in the new year.”

A similar surge in interest by Chinese travellers could also be seen in the latest search data from travel platform Booking.com.

Singapore now ranks seventh among the top searched destinations for Chinese travellers, climbing 46 spots from 2022, said a Booking.com spokesperson. 

Conversely, Singapore travellers are also looking up trips to China over the past year. Chinese cities Shanghai, Guangzhou, Beijing, and Shenzhen belong in the list of the top 100 most searched destinations by Singaporean travellers in 2023.

"This extended visa-free duration might encourage travellers to plan more extensive itineraries, leveraging the cost advantages conferred by the visa exemption," added a Booking.com spokesperson. 

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Chinese welcome visa-free travel to S’pore; searches for tour sites, tickets surge

BEIJING - Shanghai resident Jack Wu is looking forward to visiting Singapore in 2024, where he hopes to catch up with university friends and explore places such as Gardens by the Bay.

It will be his first trip to Singapore since the Covid-19 pandemic.

“I wanted to go to Singapore in September this year to attend an alumni gathering, but the thought of applying for a visa put me off,” the 28-year-old business consultant told The Straits Times.

A 30-day mutual visa exemption arrangement between Singapore and China was announced on Dec 7 at the 19th Joint Council for Bilateral Cooperation meeting in Beijing.

The changes are expected to take effect in early 2024.

Singaporeans, who now enjoy a 15-day visa-free arrangement when they visit mainland China, will be able to double the length of their stay to 30 days without the need for a visa.

The Chinese will also no longer need to apply for a visa when they visit Singapore, and can stay for up to 30 days without a visa. The average length of stay for Chinese visitors from January to October this year is 5.2 days, Singapore Tourism Board data showed.

On microblogging site Weibo, the topic of the mutual visa exemption was the second most searched-for topic at one point, with 120 million views and 26,000 discussion threads.

Chinese netizens were mostly excited about visiting the hometown of Singaporean singer Lin Junjie, more popularly known as JJ Lin.

Trip.com and Ctrip said the search volume for Singapore on their sites rose by 80 per cent in the hour after the announcement of the news, compared with the hour before, with flight ticket searches going up 90 per cent and hotel searches increasing 50 per cent.

The current average length of stay is five days for Singaporeans in China and four days for the Chinese visiting Singapore, data from the two travel sites showed. The mainland Chinese cities most popular with visiting Singaporeans are Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou.

Chinese travel app Tongcheng Travel said searches for travel to Singapore grew 18 per cent from Dec 6, a day before the announcement, with most of the queries from netizens in southern Guangdong and eastern Jiangsu provinces and financial hub Shanghai.

Searches for tourist sites in Singapore also surged after the announcement.

On Chinese travel app Qunar, the search volume for tickets to Universal Studios Singapore shot up by 40 per cent month on month, Chinese state media Global Times reported.

Mr Liu Qi, who manages tours for the Chinese to Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, said bookings for Singapore tours are at about 80 per cent of 2019 levels at his travel agency in Beijing. Singapore tours are usually combined with visits to either Malaysia or Malaysia as well as Thailand.

Thailand and Malaysia had earlier introduced visa exemptions for Chinese visitors.

Mr Liu said Singapore’s visa-free arrangement will make his work, which includes applying for travel visas for the Chinese, much easier. It costs around 200 yuan (S$37.50) to apply for a visa, he said. “The change will make our tours cheaper and more attractive to the Chinese, helping our agency’s recovery from the pandemic,” he added.

In comparison, Singaporean reactions to the new visa exemption arrangement were more muted.

Media manager Tan Jo Ee, 27, who has booked tickets to visit Beijing with her friends for seven days in March 2024, said the change will “not be significant” for her trip.

But Ms Tan, who looks forward to visiting the Great Wall, Forbidden City and Universal Studios Beijing, said her colleagues have “all been mentioning that they want to visit China”.

“A lot of airlines are having sales, and more people are considering China as a tourist destination,” she added.

Singapore tour agency Chan Brothers Travel said the change is “likely to be less consequential” for it, as most of its outbound leisure tour group trips are fewer than 15 days.

Still, its senior marketing communications manager Jeremiah Wong said the change is likely to have a positive impact on other groups of travellers. These include people on private tours of more than 15 days, those visiting friends and relatives or business travellers who need extended stays.

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Singapore – China Mutual Visa Free Travel Starts Feb 9, 2024

Starting February 9, just in time for Chinese New Year, Singapore and China will implement a 30-day visa-free travel arrangement for ordinary passport holders, enhancing travel and exchanges between the two nations. This follows a mutual agreement, aiming to facilitate easier movement, business, and tourism, reflecting both countries’ commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and economic opportunities. Despite the previous 15-day visa-free policy for Singaporeans visiting China, this new arrangement marks a significant step forward in promoting cultural understanding and people-to-people connections, expected to boost travel interest and economic engagement between Singapore and China.

The Singapore-China Mutual 30 Day Visa Free travel arrangement will allow ordinary passport holders from Singapore and China for visa free travel and stay up to 30 days in each other’s country.

The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) has stated that processing fees for prior visa applications will not be refunded following the announcement of a 30-day visa-exemption arrangement with China. This new policy, exempting diplomatic and certain passport holders from visa requirements, aims to enhance travel, business, and cultural exchanges between Singapore and China. The Chinese Foreign Ministry described this move as a festive gift, highlighting the mutual visa exemption agreements China now holds with 22 countries. Singapore’s Embassy in Beijing anticipates this arrangement will strengthen ties and boost economic opportunities, noting a desire for increased tourism and business travel between the two nations.

Following the announcement, travel agencies based out of China saw a humungous increase in Singapore-related travel interest within an hour, compared to the same timeframe the previous day. A popular travel agency reported a 340% surge in Singapore-related searches within just 30 minutes of the news, with flight searches for the Chinese New Year period rising fivefold. Coastal regions like Guangdong, Jiangsu, Shanghai, Shandong, and Zhejiang showed the highest interest in visiting Singapore. Recently travel agencies have also commented that China tops the list of Outbound Destinations for Singaporeans

China offers extensive travel connectivity for tourists, featuring a comprehensive network of high-speed trains, domestic flights, buses, and modern city metro systems. Major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Xi’an are well-connected, making it easy for travelers to explore the vast country. Additionally, domestic airlines serve a wide range of destinations, including remote regions. For urban travel, metros provide a convenient way to navigate cities, complemented by extensive bus services for shorter distances or areas not covered by rail. Similarly Singapore has a well-connected MRT system which allows tourists to explore the city-state without any hassle. Additionally, Singapore is also connected to Malaysia and the nearby islands of Batam and Bintan in Indonesia. Check more about bus ticket booking in Singapore.

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Travelling to Singapore

Travellers should refer to the ICA website for the latest information on travelling to/from or transiting  through  Singapore. For the latest updates on Singapore's COVID-19 situation, please refer to the MOH website at  https://www.moh.gov.sg/covid- 19 . 

Travel Notice for China

Singaporeans intending to travel to China should refer to the PRC Embassy website for the latest announcements on travel requirements, restrictions, advisories issued by the Chinese authorities at  http://www.chinaembassy.org. sg/eng/lsfw/ .

With effect from  9 February 2024 ,  holders of ordinary passports issued by Singapore will be exempted from visa requirements for a stay of up to 30 days in China, under a reciprocal visa exemption arrangement with China.  Please refer to ICA’s website for more details:  https://www.ica.gov.sg/news- and-publications/newsroom/ media-release/mutual-30-day- visa-exemption-arrangement- between-singapore-and-the- people-s-republic-of-china

Entry and Exit

Travellers to Mainland China are no longer subject to quarantine on entry since 8 January 2023.

From 30 August 2023, travellers to Mainland China are no longer required to undergo COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Tests (ART) or Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests before entering China.

Safety and Security

Lost passports: Singaporeans who lose their passports while travelling in China should report the loss to a neighbourhood police post or the relevant Chinese authority (it is usually the local Entry-Exit Administration Bureau). The person concerned should report the loss to the Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) immediately via the ICA's e-service ("Report Online") using the person's Singpass Account. If a new passport is required, an application may be submitted via ICA's e-Service one working day after reporting the loss. Please refer to ICA's website at  https://www.ica.gov.sg/documents/passport/loss  for more information. Alternatively, the person may approach the Singapore Embassy or the nearest Singapore Consulate-General with a copy of the Loss of Passport Report from the Police or the relevant authority, one passport-sized photograph (instant photograph is acceptable) and documentary evidence of his/her citizenship (e.g. NRIC or driving license) to report the loss and apply for a new passport.

If you wish to return to Singapore immediately, a Document of Identity (DOI) may be issued to you upon confirmation of your citizenship with ICA. With the DOI, you are required to go to the local Entry-Exit Administration Bureau to obtain an Exit Permit before you can leave China. You may be required to prove to the Entry-Exit Administration Bureau that you have registered with a hotel or a local police station when you first arrived in China. This is to facilitate investigation by the Entry-Exit Administration Bureau before they can issue you an Exit Permit to leave China. It normally takes about 5 working days to obtain the Exit Permit for foreigners who have lost their passports in China.

Crime: China is generally safe, particularly in the major cities. Serious crime against foreigners is relatively rare. Nonetheless, travellers should undertake the usual precautions and be responsible for your own safety and belongings. Please take an authorised taxi where possible. 

Beware of fraud: Foreigners have been the target of a number of scams when travelling in China. It is important that you stay informed and vigilant against scams and do not reveal sensitive personal information or bank details to unauthorised personnel.

Road Safety: Pedestrians should be alert at all times to unexpected oncoming traffic. Drivers should note that there are stiff penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol.

China has a good public transport system. You will need a valid ID (e.g. passport) to buy a train ticket and may need to show it again before boarding.

Weather: Weather conditions vary across China. The rainy season occurs between April and October.  Typhoons can occur in the South and East coasts between May and November.  Please monitor the local weather report before travelling to any part of China. Some provinces such as Sichuan and Yunnan are prone to earthquakes as they lie within the active seismic zone.

In case of air pollution, those susceptible to respiratory problems can consider taking necessary precautions. The Ministry of Environmental Protection of the People's Republic of China ( www.mep.gov.cn ) provides a daily update on the Air Quality Index for major cities in China.

To receive the latest news from our China Missions, you may wish to eRegister ( https://eregister.mfa.gov.sg ) once you have confirmed your travel to China.

All foreigners should abide by local laws.  The penalties for drug offences are severe.

In accordance with the Chinese Exit-Entry Administration Law, all foreigners are required to register with the Public Security Bureau (PSB) within 24 hours of arrival. If you are staying at a hotel, the hotel staff will normally register you with the PSB as part of their check-in process. Otherwise, you will have to register yourself at the nearest police station.

Foreigners above 16 years of age are expected to carry their passports with them at all times. Random checks may be carried out by Police during periods of heightened security and political events.

There are restrictions on political activities for foreigners, including participation in public protests. Travellers should exercise caution to avoid any demonstrations and large gatherings. 

Additional Information

Elderly, children and those with pre-existing medical conditions should bring along medical prescriptions and medication which may not be available in China. 

Tap water in China is generally not potable. Travellers can consider buying bottled water for consumption. 

China-Singapore visa-free era boosts two-way tourism

A 40-meter-high circular indoor waterfall pours into the building from the roof as passengers walk and take pictures at Changi Airport, a glass circular building surrounded by hanging terraced gardens, in Singapore, October 4, 2023. /CFP

Editor's note: Yu Hong, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is a Senior Research Fellow of the East Asian Institute, National University of Singapore.The article reflects the author's views, and not necessarily those of CGTN.

On February 9, the agreement between China and Singapore regarding mutual visa exemption for holders of ordinary passports came into effect. With the implementation of the "mutual visa exemption" policy, two-way travel between China and Singapore has become easier.

Singapore has always been one of the most popular outbound destinations for Chinese citizens, and the visa waiver policy between the two countries is conducive to the development of tourism on both sides. The implementation of the visa-free measures will further strengthen Singapore's status as an international tourist city, and play an important role in Singapore's service economy. The visa-free era will also promote people-to-people cultural exchanges, which will play an important role in the long-term friendship and mutual understanding between China and Singapore.

Visitors watch a show with sculptures of a 140-meter-long dragon (L) and a god of fortune (C) around the Supertrees observatory at Gardens by the Bay in Singapore on February 7, 2024, ahead of the Lunar New Year of the Dragon which fell on February 10. /CFP

First of all, Singapore has a convenient and efficient transportation system as a regional transport hub. Singapore's Changi Airport is one of the busiest aviation hubs in Asia, and Chinese tourists can easily reach Singapore by different flights. With the surge in demand for two-way travel between Singapore and China, airlines will operate between the two countries at a much higher frequency than before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Furthermore, as an international tourist city located in Asia, Singapore has abundant tourism resources and unique cultural exchanges. Singapore is home to world-renowned attractions such as Sentosa Island and Gardens by the Bay, among others, which are attractive to Chinese tourists. Given the constraint of its relatively limited land area, Singapore continues to develop tourism content. Gardens by the Bay is one of Singapore's most iconic tourist attractions, as well as the newly completed Singapore Bird Park at World of Wildlife.

In order to attract more Chinese tourists, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has been actively engaged in marketing and promotional activities and has partnered with China's tourism agencies to enhance the visibility and influence of Singapore's tourism in the Chinese market through brand promotion.

Singapore also participates in travel exhibitions held in China to showcase its tourism resources and services to further attract Chinese tourists. In addition, the STB signed a two-year strategic cooperation memorandum with UnionPay International in November 2023, to create a more convenient payment environment for inbound Chinese tourists.

Chinese tourists' interest has gradually been shifting to local culture over the past few years, and there is an increasing demand for new products related to the integration of culture and tourism.

Recognizing the changing needs of Chinese tourists, the STB launched new travel initiatives in 2023 to enhance the leisure travel experience as well as new or upgraded attractions. In November 2023, the STB also launched a series of creative travel schemes, including immersive experiences with forest bathing and naturopathy, and city walks to experience food sustainability. These new initiatives allow visitors to experience the multi-racial and multicultural atmosphere of Singapore.

In response to the new travel demands and preferences of some tourists, Singapore is attracting overseas tourists to Singapore by hosting high-profile international events, such as music festivals and sporting events. Taylor Swift's concerts held in Singapore also effectively boosted the local economy recently.

Moreover, Singapore is in a good state of law and order. Singapore's renowned legal system protects the legitimate rights and interests of tourists and punishes acts that infringe on their rights and interests, which provides Chinese tourists with the guarantee of peace of mind to travel to Singapore.

China can learn from Singapore's experience in developing tourism and attracting foreign tourists. First, China's tourism authorities and enterprises can promote Chinese tourist attractions and cultural and natural scenery by expanding cooperation with local tourism operators and hosting exhibitions and promotional roadshows overseas.

Secondly, according to the travel preferences of foreign tourists and the characteristics of specific tourism groups, different tourism routes and tourism packages should be designed to attract overseas tourists to visit China. Third, more convenient services can be provided for foreign tourists traveling to China, such as the simplified visa application and more payment methods. The recent introduction of immigration facilitation measures by the Chinese authorities willsurely help attract more foreigners to visit China.

(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at [email protected]. Follow @thouse_opinions on Twitter to discover the latest commentaries in the CGTN Opinion Section.)

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Trip.com Group welcomes first batch of Chinese Visa-free travellers to Singapore

Trip.com Group is pleased to welcome the first batch of Chinese tourists to Singapore under the Singapore-China mutual 30-day visa-free arrangement. Among the Chinese travellers who arrived at Changi Airport this morning was a tour group organised by Trip.com Group, landing in Singapore from Beijing.

“I’ve always wanted to visit Singapore, which is on the list of my top holiday destinations. Trip.com’s Chinese New Year tour package showcasing Singapore’s best sights and attractions convinced me to travel overseas during the Lunar New Year holidays, especially now that we no longer require a visa. I cannot wait to explore Singapore,” said Feng Shaoxiang, a member of the tour group.

Tourist-friendly measures including visa-free travel remove friction from the travel planning process, making last-minute travel possible, and with the flexibility afforded by the 30-day exemptions now in place, Chinese travellers are also able to make longer trips to Singapore. This has seen the volume of Chinese New Year (CNY) bookings to Singapore made by Chinese travellers on Trip.com Group’s platforms jump 206 times compared to the same period last year. Of these, almost half (47%) of the bookings were made by families.

To welcome Chinese tourists to Singapore, Trip.com Group and its partners in Singapore have launched a series of exclusive promotions. In collaboration with Sentosa Development Corporation, Chinese tourists booking hotels in Singapore via Trip.com Group’s platform will, subject to meeting certain conditions, benefit from a welcome gift from Sentosa with a plethora of exclusive privileges including free entry to Sentosa Island and free admissions to selected attractions, amongst others.

Andrew Phua, Chief Representative and Executive Director of the Greater China Region of the Singapore Tourism Board, said: “Singapore has always been one of the most popular leisure and business travel destinations for Chinese tourists. With Singapore and China officially exempting each other from visas, we believe that will further ignite the enthusiasm of Chinese tourists. In recent years, Singapore has successively launched a number of new or upgraded attractions and large-scale activities, hoping to bring tourists a better and more diverse travel experience. We warmly welcome more Chinese tourists to choose Singapore as an overseas travel destination.”

Edison Chen, Vice President of Destination Marketing & Strategic Alliances, Trip.com Group, said: “In conjunction with visa-free travel to Singapore coinciding with the Chinese New Year holidays, Trip.com Group immediately launched a microsite introducing Singapore’s various attractions, gourmet food map, popular hotels and tours to help drive bookings to Singapore. Plans are also in the pipeline to offer a series of carefully curated Peranakan-themed offerings for tourists to Singapore. We are focused on offering quality travel experiences and are committed to doing our utmost to promote international travel to Singapore.”

Edmund Ong, General Manager, Trip.com Singapore, said: “Since the announcement of visa-free travel between Singapore and China, we have seen an influx of interest, showcasing Singapore’s standing as a preferred travel destination. The tour group arriving this morning is the first of many. As part of our commitment to make every traveller’s trip count, we plan to launch promotional campaigns and curated tour products that highlight Singapore’s uniqueness. We look forward to welcoming more Chinese tourists, facilitated by the greater ease of travel.”

Trip.com Group recently revealed that Singapore will see a 46.8% increase in inbound travel when comparing this year’s CNY festive period with 2023’s CNY period, with an outsized 108.6% increase in total trip expenditure for inbound bookings over the same window.

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SINGAPORE, April 19 -- The China Travel Fair 2024 kicked off at Singapore's Suntec Convention and Exhibition Center on Friday.

Held by the China National Tourist Office in Singapore, the three-day event attracts 16 local travel agencies as well as several airlines from both countries.

Travel agencies are introducing deep travel packages, such as 11- or 12-day trips, to customers as a mutual visa-exemption arrangement in February enables Singaporeans to stay in China for up to 30 days.

"I am interested in Chongqing. It deserves a trip as an internet celebrity '3D mountain city.' The hot pot also attracts me," said a customer at the fair.

"We saw a steady growth in customers to China in recent months. Travel routes to Xinjiang, Zhangjiajie, and the Three Gorges Reservoir are popular," said Li Liangyi, president of China Express Travel.

Li noted that increasing flights between Singapore and China will unleash the potential for tourism in the future.

"Moreover, necessary mobile apps in China, like WeChat and Alipay, are also popular in Singapore, which make local people's trips to China more convenient. Thus, a growing number of Singaporeans are choosing China as their travel destination," Li added.

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12 Sep 2023 - 6 min read

Things You Need to Know Before Traveling to China from Singapore

China Visa for Singaporean - As China reopens its borders to tourists, Singaporeans are eager to visit this fascinating country. However, there are a few things you need to know before you go, such as visa requirements, the best time to visit, and what to pack. This article will provide all the necessary information to help you plan your trip to China.

There are many reasons why China is a tourist destination worth considering for Singaporeans. With several Singaporeans of Chinese descent, they can easily understand the language and culture. China is one of the oldest countries in the world, with a rich historical heritage. In addition, China's natural attractions are awe-inspiring.

Visa Requirements for Singaporeans Traveling to China

China visa for Singaporeans can visit China without a visa for up to 15 days for tourism purposes. However, if you plan on staying longer, Singaporeans need visa to China . You can complete the visa application process online or at the Chinese embassy or consulate in Singapore.

Citizens of Singapore and Brunei with ordinary passports traveling for business, sightseeing, visiting relatives and friends, and transit can enter China without a visa. This is because Singaporeans hold the most powerful key in the world, making it easier to travel to other countries.

Moreover, foreigners who transit in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, or Chengdu within 72 hours can enter China without a visa. This also applies to APEC business card holders and permanent residence permit cardholders in China for foreigners.

Best Time to Visit China

Spring covers most of China from April to June, making it an excellent time to travel anywhere. The natural scenery is beautiful, with plants in full bloom.

Some areas in the north may have cold temperatures, but they are tolerable and enjoyable. If you plan to explore the southern region in spring, it's better to use the fast train as the plane is prone to delays due to high rainfall.

China experiences summer from July to August, the school holiday season. Tourist destinations become crowded with families enjoying their holidays.

If you plan to visit China during the summer, be prepared for higher prices for transportation tickets, accommodations, and attractions. Buying plane tickets and booking accommodations in advance is recommended.

September to October is the next best time to visit China. Places usually hot in summer and cold in spring experience ideal weather conditions. The natural scenery is warm, with trees showing yellow, orange, and reddish colors.

Winter hits China from November to March. Tourists must equip themselves with warm clothing during these months. This season is tranquil for tourists, making it perfect for anyone traveling cheaply in China. Those who have never encountered winter in Singapore may enjoy the experience of a new atmosphere.

5. Places Unaffected by Weather

Due to the vastness of mainland China, this country has four seasons. However, cultural and historical destinations such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi'an are almost unaffected by weather conditions, making them suitable for visiting all year round.

What to Pack Traveling to China

When packing for your trip to China, bring comfortable shoes, as you will be doing a lot of walking. Packing light layers of clothing is also a good idea, as the weather can vary depending on the region you are visiting. Other essentials include sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.

Remember to bring only a few large bags or suitcases. It may be difficult to carry many bags when going to a hotel or other destination, as the most common type of taxi in China is the Volkswagen Jetta. This type of car has a small trunk and limited seating space, which can make transportation difficult later on.

Must-See Destinations in China

There are many unique places to see in China, but here are a few of the must-visit destinations:

1. The Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China, or the Great Wall of China, is the most extended building ever created by humans. It is more than 13,000 miles or 21,000 kilometers long. The construction of the Great Wall of China was initially initiated by Emperor Qin Shi Huang of the Qin Dynasty in the 3rd century BC.

The Great Wall of China has been transferred to its function as a leading tourist destination in China. That's because this historic building symbolizes the splendor of Chinese civilization in the past, which still stands today. It has even been designated as a world cultural heritage by UNESCO in 1987. It is recognized as one of human history's most impressive architectural achievements.

If you are looking for a hotel or inn close to the Great Wall of China, you can find it easily on Traveloka. Some recommended hotels are Brickyard Retreat at Mutianyu Great Wall, Sansa Village, and Banshan Greatwall Mountain View Resort .

2. The Forbidden City

Sometimes, the word "forbidden" always has its charm for most people. Many people are even more curious if there is a ban warning. One of them is the "Forbidden City" in China. However, unlike its name, the city is no longer prohibited from being visited by people.

If you are looking for a hotel or inn close to the Forbidden City, you can find it easily on Traveloka. Some recommended hotels are King Parkview Hotel, Hilton Beijing Wangfujing, and The Peninsula Beijing.

2. The Terracotta Army

On March 29, 1974, a group of farmers dug a well in a field about 20 miles east of Xi'an in Shaanxi province. After digging several meters, the farmers found three holes containing 8,000 Terracotta Soldiers the size of natural human bodies. There are also chariots, cavalry, armored soldiers, and crossbowmen.

High-ranking officers, including nine generals, have been found in one of the pits. The pit served as an army command post and contained an honor guard and chariots for troop commanders. The pits are less than a mile northeast of a pyramid-shaped tomb built for China's First Emperor, Qin Shi Huang (259-210 BC).

3. The Bund

The Bund is located on the banks of the Huangpu River, once a people's harbor full of thick mud. But now, you won't see him anymore. The Bund, also called Waitan, is the heart of Shanghai, the famous business district in China.

There is a unique sensation when you are in the middle of the meeting point between the worlds of East and West, past and future. Try standing in the middle of the viewing platform of The Bund and facing north. On the left, there is a beautiful view of historic Western-style buildings. Temporary

On the right is a stunning skyline view of the modern skyscrapers of the Lujiazui District, such as the Shanghai Tower, the second tallest building in the world at 123 floors, and the Shanghai Oriental Pearl TV Tower.

4. The Temple of Heaven

The Temple of Heaven was built between 1406-1420 during the reign of the Yongle Emperor, who was also responsible for constructing the Forbidden City. The temple was enlarged and renamed the Temple of Heaven during the reign of Emperor Jiajing in the sixteenth century.

If you are looking for a hotel or inn close to the Temple of Heaven, you can find it easily on Traveloka. Some recommended hotels are Holiday Inn Express Beijing Temple of Heaven, an IHG Hotel, and Beijing Temple of Heaven Atour Light Hotel.

Tips For Traveling to China

Plan Your Vacation to China with Traveloka

So there you have it, information about what to do in China. With so much to see and do, you'll have a great time no matter what you choose. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to those places with Traveloka right away!

Not only Articles about China Visa for Singaporean that Traveloka provides, but we also have a lot of best-recommended articles for you guys to read! Here is the list of the best Articles recommendation special for you :

Refresh your mind by going on vacation with Traveloka. With this application, you will find thousands of hotels or resorts in various tourist destinations in China. Also, see the plane, train, bus, and other transportation tickets. Traveloka will provide all the accommodations you need when you go on vacation.

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Chinatown Singapore Guide 2023: Best Things to do & eat

Chinatown was one of my favorite walks in all of Singapore . Away from the skyline, this hub of bustling markets brings a down-to-earth part of Singapore to light. Writing this Chinatown Singapore Guide took me back on a sweet memory lane to the evening here.

As someone who doesn’t like crowds, I was unsure of what to expect here. But the moment I witnessed the colorful lights floating over my head, I was glad! It was to be quite a chunk on my SG travel blog . There are tons of places for walking tours ( like Marina Bay ) in SG and Chinatown is a must! Here goes my Chinatown Singapore Guide.

Table of Contents

Self-Guided Walking Tour Chinatown Singapore

Most people talk of the must-try foods here which make up for most of the spot! But with Chinatown’s heritage since the country’s beginnings and lit markets, there’s a lot more. This Chinatown Singapore Guide shall take you through all the things to do here.

What to expect

I visited Chinatown in the evening and highly recommend you do the same. The evenings are when the place comes alive; Get a small backpack along with a water bottle. Don’t carry too much luggage as you’ll need to walk around a lot.

Get some comfortable shoes on and begin! Unlike most attractions of Singapore like the Zoo or the National Gallery , you don’t need a ticket as such to enter or walk around. It’s a part of the everyday city.

But you’ll find paid tours that guide you around the heritage key spots of town. Now, should you get yourself a paid tour? Well, it depends on whether you’d prefer a paid walking tour or a self-guided walk.

Chinatown Walking Tour Guides Singapore

To make sure not to miss out on anything important here, put in some time beforehand and get your itinerary checklist in place before you get here. But if that’s too much work for you and are willing to pay for a leisure walk, the walking tour guide is highly recommended!

It also avoids the self-guide hustle of holding the maps up every 20 seconds. I took a self-guided walk around the place but I missed out on a few spots. I wished I’d read more about the place beforehand.

The best part of guided tours is that even tours are out-of-the-box here to make history interesting! One is the Trishaw Uncle Guided tours (yes, they take you around with the trishaw). Something like the infamous Singapore River Cruise at Clarke Quay.

Another is the Murder Game tour where you’ll get around Chinatown while playing a history game! Find your preferred tour guide on Klook below and book before you miss out on great deals !

For self-guided explorers like myself, don’t worry! Keep reading this post for all the key spots before you visit. Thus this self-guided walking tour of Chinatown Singapore.

Chinatown Singapore Guide: Best Things to do

The moment you land in Chinatown, Singapore, you’ll find yourself wandering away into amazing shops, colorful buildings, and aromatic food around. There’s so much detail you observe when you visit it physically – especially the cozy tiny streets you walk through.

In fact, I didn’t know the names of the streets that lured me in with their colorful air. I had to figure them out while writing this article.

Walking through Chinatown, you’ll come across all these places one after the other. Walk through the streets, take pictures, talk to people, and enjoy your tour! Here are all the best things to do in Chinatown Singapore Guide.

Visit the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

This majestic landmark beaming between Chinatown’s bustling streets and skyscrapers was my first stop here. There’s no hard and fast on when to visit the temple. But if you’re visiting Chinatown in the evening, get there at least at 4 pm.

The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple closes at 5 every day. Having an hour (or more if you’re too passionate) to tour the entire temple place is sufficient.

Another post for you to read: River Wonders Singapore Review: 5 Rare Creatures to Spot !

Walk the Pagoda Street

Chinatown Singapore guide: Pagoda street is where you’ll go back in time to the colorful Chinatown markets. Running parallel to Chinatown Temple Street, this 250m stretch of the paved footpath is filled with shops and restaurants on either side and it’s ever-lively!

Even if you’re broke, I suggest you visit it for the street’s ambiance, lighting, and Instagrammable shots. Thank me later. Take a stroll till the end of Pagoda Street towards Shri Mariamman Temple.

Check out the Chinatown Heritage Center museum

Oh, you’re already on Pagoda Street? You might as well snuggle into Chinatown’s Heritage Center – it’s right on the way! I couldn’t visit this museum as it remains closed for the time period as it undergoes review.

But I hope it opens soon for your visit! When you do visit, expect to dive into the lives of early landers of Singapore. The laborers, traders, and immigrants and their stories of victories and struggles. If it opens up, I’ll be sure to visit it!

Another post for you to read: Universal Studios Singapore Guide: Perfect 1-Day Visit!

Eat at the Maxwell Food Centre

A friend suggested me this place, the Maxwell Food Centre. And sure enough, the place is popular to be a landmark around here. The food center located by Maxwell Road is a large food court with a bunch of hawker stalls.

They serve a range of Chinatown delicacies including the popular chicken rice and dim sums! If you’re a foodie and looking to try every food place out here. I suggest eating to a minimum at Maxwell as there are still a ton of outdoor hawker stalls!

For small street hawker stalls, expect to spend around $4-6 SGD for a dish. But there are also bigger places with nice seating arrangements where it can cost between $8-10 SGD. For an authentic place, it’s worth the money as well.

Another post for you to read: Best Singapore Travel Advice Australia

Try out hawkers at Complex, 335 Smith Street

For newcomers, it’s tough to figure out where to eat. Going around Chinatown’s Complex on Smith Street with a series of restaurants, it all comes to where you end up. At the end of this street, you’ll also find the infamous Hawker Chan restaurant which previously held a Michelin star!

I was too hungry when I arrived in Chinatown. So I plunged to the first hawker spot I found – the Tiong Bahru Chicken Rice. Not to mention, this place was popular among locals and a lot of people came in! I got a medium-sized Hainanese chicken rice with soup for myself and it was worth the S$ 3.5!

Take pictures at the People’s Park Complex

Find this name familiar from social media? Sure, it’s a beautiful picturesque spot. But the People’s Park Complex is worth the sight regardless of its distinguished structure. There’s a lot more to it than its looks.

The People’s Park Complex is very different from the skyscrapers you see in SG today. Built after Chinatown’s market fires in 1966 with millions of dollars in damages, it stood as one of its kind in Southeast Asia back in the day. The 40-year-old structure stood as the biggest shopping complex back in the day!

Another post for you to read: Bird Park Paradise Review – Ultimate 1-Day Trip in Singapore

Visit the Shri Mariamman Temple

Though living near Singapore for almost a decade, never had I realized the Hindu Temple – Shri Mariamman Temple was around Chinatown’s corner. Though worlds apart from Chinatown’s streets, it’s a must-visit in Chinatown!

This temple is very similar to many beautiful Dravidian-style builds I’ve come across in India. Built-in 1827, it is Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple! What I loved most about Pagoda Street and Mariamman Temple is how so many cultures come in together in a single place.

Right next to it is Masjid Jamae and the Buddha temple isn’t a far walk away either. It’s quite a wonder to see!

Take a stroll on Telok Ayer Street

Another gem of Chinatown Singapore Guide that I deeply regret missing out on is Telok Ayer Street. It’s a 500-meter walk from Pagoda street. Begin with walking the Telok Ayer Green park with its black metal sculptures and the Nagore Dargah museum at its corner.

With a series of restaurants similar to the rest here, Telok Ayer street stands apart with its appearance. The place blends today’s technology and development with remainders of old Singapore with its colorful shophouses. There are also some places to see here like the Thian Hock Keng Temple and the Singapore Musical Box Museum.

Another post for you to read: Perfect Batam Travel Guide 202 3

Shop at the street markets of Chinatown

Remember those fancy lights around Pagoda Street? Right from Buddha Tooth Relic Temple’s Kreta Ayer Square, walk into the alleys of the street markets of Chinatown. It’s best to walk in the evenings. The bright hues come to life at night over your head.

Gift shops of all sorts become livelier than ever. Yet, the pavements remain clean and photogenic throughout with so many tourists flocking in. The gift shop items are equally alluring with their curious detailed works. I couldn’t help buying myself a hand fan embroidered with Chinese scripts and Pandas on it!

Mural Paintings around Chinatown Singapore Guide

Another thing to look out for is street art – Chinatown’s Mural heritage or Chinatown Wall paintings. The picture at the beginning of this article? That’s one of them! Called the Labour of Love murals, you’ll find these amazing paintings in the alleys of Chinatown.

It’s hard to spot them with the bustle. But keep an eye on the alley walls, you’ll find them! These depict the histories of lives in old Chinatown and add up to the flavor of the place. Keep an eye out for them for I found only one! You can even book a tour just to spot all these amazing wall paintings. Here’s a great tour on Klook for the same:

Taste a pinch of Ya Kun Kaya Toast

People who live in Singapore know of the popular restaurants around here. But there are too many to count for tourists. Ya Kun Kaya Toast is another resto chain with restaurants across over a dozen countries.

However, I put it on this list because the infamous Ya Kun Kaya Toast empire began here – at Telok Ayer Street, Chinatown! Loi Ah Koon started it here at Telok Ayer in 1944 and today it looks to expand to Brunei, India, and Malaysia. Its ingredients are simple with bread, yet delicious with its kaya .

Tailpiece: Singapore Chinatown Guide

That sums up for most of my Singapore Chinatown Guide to the best places to visit. I was glad I could visit most of Chinatown in the evening. Yet, I know I missed a good deal of stuff like the Ya Kun Kaya Toast and the top floors of the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple.

It’s not tough to fall in love with the place here. If you think you might, you will . Much sooner than you think. Keep half a day for a complete walking tour of the place. Another idea is to spend two evenings here instead and roam Singapore elsewhere during the day. With the MRT, it shouldn’t be hard getting around.

After getting around Chinatown, I sat down at Kreta Ayer Square facing the Buddha temple as dusk fell. It was time to head back to my cozy SpacePod at Lavender . Tired and weary, I needed a break from all the walk. Stallkeepers and workers were headed home. One Chinese old man came and sat down on the stairs beside me.

He smiled and I waved hi. We then talked for a good 15 minutes. Where we had come from and how we’d come here. Sounds pretty sweet, doesn’t it? Talk to people on your visit. Be friendly. It’ll make the trip worth it all!

Tell me how your self guided walking tour of Chinatown Singapore went in the comment section below. I’ll be happy to hear about it :)

Manas Patil

Hi there! I'm a 22-year-old dude all the way from India, I love traveling and building itineraries! Sign up and get your FREE COPY of my travel checklist to get the best of your next vacation!

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• China travel fair kicks off in Singapore

SINGAPORE, April 19 (Xinhua) -- The China Travel Fair 2024 kicked off at Singapore's Suntec Convention and Exhibition Center on Friday.

Held by the China National Tourist Office in Singapore, the three-day event attracts 16 local travel agencies as well as several airlines from both countries.

Travel agencies are introducing deep travel packages, such as 11- or 12-day trips, to customers as a mutual visa-exemption arrangement in February enables Singaporeans to stay in China for up to 30 days.

"I am interested in Chongqing. It deserves a trip as an internet celebrity '3D mountain city.' The hot pot also attracts me," said a customer at the fair.

"We saw a steady growth in customers to China in recent months. Travel routes to Xinjiang, Zhangjiajie, and the Three Gorges Reservoir are popular," said Li Liangyi, president of China Express Travel.

Li noted that increasing flights between Singapore and China will unleash the potential for tourism in the future.

"Moreover, necessary mobile apps in China, like WeChat and Alipay, are also popular in Singapore, which make local people's trips to China more convenient. Thus, a growing number of Singaporeans are choosing China as their travel destination," Li added. Enditem

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China travel fair kicks off in Singapore

Source: Xinhua

Editor: huaxia

2024-04-19 21:50:00

SINGAPORE, April 19 (Xinhua) -- The China Travel Fair 2024 kicked off at Singapore's Suntec Convention and Exhibition Center on Friday.

Held by the China National Tourist Office in Singapore, the three-day event attracts 16 local travel agencies as well as several airlines from both countries.

Travel agencies are introducing deep travel packages, such as 11- or 12-day trips, to customers as a mutual visa-exemption arrangement in February enables Singaporeans to stay in China for up to 30 days.

"I am interested in Chongqing. It deserves a trip as an internet celebrity '3D mountain city.' The hot pot also attracts me," said a customer at the fair.

"We saw a steady growth in customers to China in recent months. Travel routes to Xinjiang, Zhangjiajie, and the Three Gorges Reservoir are popular," said Li Liangyi, president of China Express Travel.

Li noted that increasing flights between Singapore and China will unleash the potential for tourism in the future.

"Moreover, necessary mobile apps in China, like WeChat and Alipay, are also popular in Singapore, which make local people's trips to China more convenient. Thus, a growing number of Singaporeans are choosing China as their travel destination," Li added. ■

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Follow our news, recent searches, chinese tourists yet to make hotel bookings in singapore amid uncertainties over rules, advertisement.

Around the world, China’s emergence from isolation is getting mixed reactions, with Europe abuzz with excitement and Thailand cautiously optimistic.

Enquiries for hotel bookings are coming in hot, exceeding pre-pandemic figures, but an increase in actual bookings has yet to materialise.

Saksith Saiyasombut

Jalelah Abu Baker

SINGAPORE: Hotels in Singapore are anticipating tourist arrivals from China as the country reopens its borders after three years.

Enquiries are coming in hot, exceeding pre-pandemic figures, but an increase in bookings has yet to materialise, hotel representatives told CNA.

Sales and marketing director at Pan Pacific Singapore Luke Li said that there is a “surge of visitors” to its brand's website.

“However, the real bookings are coming in at a slow pace currently,” he said.

“A lot of Chinese tourists are still waiting, adopting a ‘wait and see' attitude. So, I think they are not really making the bookings yet.”

While there is interest from Chinese tourists to visit Singapore, China's Culture and Tourism Ministry has not indicated whether tour groups can organise outbound trips to these places, said Mr Steven Zhao, who used to run his own tour agency in China.

Uncertainties over logistics remain as well, and Chinese tourists are worried about higher costs if policies change.

“Will a visa be given out by the Embassy of Singapore in China? And if the visa has been approved, and the hotel room has been booked - what if the Singapore government does not allow Chinese citizens to pass its borders?” Mr Zhao asked.

Mr Li said the hotel is preparing to handle an influx of tourists if it happens.

"We are always recruiting staff and also training our staff to make sure that when demand comes back, we are ready for it,” he said.

THAILAND LOOKS FORWARD TO CHINESE TOURISTS

Around the world, China’s emergence from isolation is getting mixed reactions.

Europe is abuzz with excitement, while other countries like Thailand are cautious about having high expectations.

Thai tourism authorities are keeping their expectations low, as they do not expect the relaxing of restrictions in China to translate to droves of Chinese tourists flocking to their country immediately.

"We don't expect (that) a million Chinese will be visiting Thailand in one month,” said Mr Tanes Petsuwan, deputy governor for International Marketing Asia and the South Pacific at the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

Instead, the country expects a gradual increase, with 60,000 Chinese tourists in January, 90,000 in February and more in the following months, he said.

“We believe that in March, the operation of flights will stay in good shape. Perhaps we’ll move over six digits - so 150,000 would be expected for the Chinese for March. The whole number in the first quarter will be around 300,000,” he added.

Overall, Thailand expects 5 million Chinese visitors in 2023. Tourists from mainland China accounted for a quarter of all arrivals in Thailand before the pandemic.

China's reopening unlikely to make a big impact on Singapore's COVID-19 situation, experts say

Chinese-speaking tour guide Saichol Chounchou is buzzing with excitement.

“I already had lots of people calling me and I told them all they can come. If you don’t have COVID, you can come. Thailand is now wide open for everyone now,” he said.

MIXED REACTIONS FROM SOUTH KOREA, EUROPE

While Thailand has not introduced any special measures for Chinese tourists despite an ongoing COVID-19 wave in China, South Korea is among the countries that have.

South Korea has tightened immigration requirements for visitors from China since Jan 2, which now include a negative COVID-19 test result before they board their flights for the country.

They are also kept separate from others at the airport and have to undergo a COVID-19 test upon arrival that costs 80,000 won (US$64) at their own expense. They can proceed with their travels if the result, that takes a few hours, shows that they are free from the virus.

Positive cases, however, will have to quarantine themselves for seven days at their own expense at designated facilities.

Meanwhile, cities in Europe like London, Paris and Berlin are preparing for a boom in business, as they hope that the multi-billion-dollar travel sector between the continent and China will soon flourish once more.

“We’ve missed the Chinese market immensely. Pre-pandemic, it was a very big segment for us. Without that business over the past two years or so, it’s obviously been very noticeable so hopefully when China does fully reopen, we hope to see a big return to a lot of Chinese travel,” said Mr Fergus Stewart, chief executive of Lancaster Landmark Hotel Company.

Additional reporting by Lim Yun Suk and Trent Murray

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