The historic city of Melaka, Malaysia, is ardently anticipating the Chinese travelers to revive the local tourism industry, as China will only require a negative COVID test report within the last 48 hours before departure for people who return from abroad starting Jan. 8.

Jonker Walk, the Chinatown area of Melaka City, has been decorated with Chinese cultural elements to greet tourists coming to celebrate the Lunar New Year in the tropical city.

"With Spring Festival approaching, we have decorated the Melaka City with festive lights and lanterns, especially the streets in old town, to welcome Chinese visitors," said Ngan Tin Luk, president of workers' council in Jonker Walk.

Local government even renovated the Jonker Walk World Heritage Park for the upcoming Spring Festival and Chinese tourists rush.

San Shu Gong, a store selling local products and souvenirs located in Jonker Walk, has prepared stocks of their bestsellers, as Chinese visitors love to bring home some local specialties.

"We have planned to increase production of the products favored by the Chinese tourists, such as those durian products, coffee, milk tea and other authentic specialties which they would love to buy here," said Choi Hiu Ching, manager of the San Shu Gong.

Tourist destinations around the world are expecting to reboot their business as Chinese tourists are embracing overseas travel destinations under China's refined COVID response.