Serbia has become an increasingly popular tourist destination for Chinese travelers, thanks to its iron-clad friendship between the two nations, its picturesque scenes, and motivation of the visa-free policy.

A poll by the Institute for European Affairs and Smart Plus Research in 2023 revealed that 75 percent of Serbians consider China a friendly nation. This deep bond stems from decades-old cultural influences, mutual trust during critical junctures, significant joint projects, and shared experiences of tragic events.
Serbia offered visa-free entry to Chinese tourists in 2017, which has contributed significantly to its growing popularity as a travel destination among Chinese tourists.
"I remember Serbia fondly. I stayed for a month during the summer of 2019. Serbia was the first visa-free European country to Chinese travelers. But at that time, there were no direct flights," a vlogger-influencer, who holidayed in Serbia before, told China Global Television Network (CGTN) through a voice text.
Since 2022, multiple direct flights connecting some Chinese cities with Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, have been established, further enhancing the country's allure for tourists.
Days before President Xi's state visit to this Balkan country, streets linking the Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport to the center of the capital have been adorned with national flags of China and Serbia, underscoring the affinity of fraternal ties between the two nations.
Belgrade, a captivating city, offers a plethora of attractions, while Novi Sad, Serbia's second-largest city located just half an hour away, showcases its unique architectural charm. Both cities provide indelible experiences for visitors.
"I came to see a country with a good diplomatic relationship with China," said a tourist.
"Because firstly, Serbia and China have had a great relationship in recent years. Also, Serbia has beautiful scenery, which is why I wanted to visit. But mainly it's because of the visa-free policy," said another tourist.
The hospitality of the locals, the amenity of direct flights, and the visa-free policy all contribute to Serbia's magnetism for Chinese tourists. However, the underlying factor that cements this popularity is the enduring ironclad relationship between China and Serbia, which is ubiquitous in the capital city and throughout the country.