An airport in Qingdao City of east China's Shandong Province is rapidly becoming a pivotal gateway for international tourists drawn to the country by the global popularity of Chinese films, particularly the blockbuster animated movie "Ne Zha 2."

Located near the birthplaces of renowned philosophers Confucius (551-479 BC) and Mencius (372-289 BC), Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport leverages its extensive flight network and streamlined customs environment to attract a growing number of foreign visitors eager to experience China's rich cultural heritage.
The film's captivating depiction of Chinese culture has ignited a surge in "movie-inspired travel," with the airport's arrival hall bustling with approximately 1,500 international tourists daily. These travelers are transitioning from merely watching China on the silver screen to immersing themselves in the country's landscapes, traditions, and experiences.
China's expansion of visa-free policies has further facilitated the rise of the trend, with the country now having full exemption agreements with 26 countries, unilateral visa-free arrangements for 38 countries, and transit visa-free programs for 54 countries.
"In the first two months of this year, Qingdao Airport handled over 250,000 inbound passenger trips, up 27 percent year on year. Inbound foreign arrivals exceeded 70,000, a 50 percent jump compared to the same period of last year," said Ma Mengshi, a member of Qingdao Jiaodong Customs.
The airport has responded to the surging influx of international tourists by introducing multilingual guides, further enhancing their travel experience.
"We're seeing a growing number of foreign tourists eager to embark on 'film and tourism' journeys in China. To cater to this influx, the airport has introduced multilingual guides in Chinese, English, Japanese, and Korean, further enhancing their travel experience," said Xiao Bingbing, a member of the Qingdao Airport Group's Terminal Management Department.