Boosted by China's visa-free transit policies, Xiamen, a coastal city in the eastern province of Fujian, has seen an influx of foreign travelers during this year's Spring Festival holiday.

Official data showed that the number of inbound and outbound travelers at local ports is expected to reach 140,000 during the Spring Festival holiday, up 15 percent from last year's Spring Festival holiday.

"We're staying in Tong'an, we're going to stay here for around two weeks, 12 days, and then go back to the Netherlands. We're planning to visit also Gulangyu Island," a traveler from the Netherlands said at the Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport.

Botanical gardens, museums and a street featuring metaverse and other high-tech experiences are among the most popular destinations in Xiamen for foreign visitors.

Many travelers also chose to visit local teahouses to savor tea and embrace the leisurely lifestyle of local people.

"During the Spring Festival, many international travelers visit Xiamen to immerse themselves in local customs that are listed as intangible cultural heritage, and to participate in the modern and joyful lifestyle of the Chinese people. Xiamen, with its hospitality, has established a service alliance for international travelers, offering volunteer guide and translation services to overseas guests, enabling friends from across the globe to experience the splendor of China in the vibrant city of Xiamen," said Peng Jun, head of the foreign exchange and cooperation office under the Xiamen Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism.