Cross-Border Tourism Between China and Vietnam Surges During Spring Festival With Two Hundred Thousand Trips in Guangxi, Highlighting Cultural Exchange Growth and Year-Round Policies

Cross-border tourism between China and Vietnam has shown remarkable growth during the recent nine-day Spring Festival holiday, with a total of 249,000 cross-border trips recorded through ports in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in southern China. This is a remarkable increase in cross-border tourism between the two countries, which has been driven by their common cultural heritage and a growing desire to explore more in-depth travel experiences beyond mere cross-border tourism.

The rise in cross-border tourism between the two countries is a reflection of the growing cultural exchange and tourism cooperation between China and Vietnam, which is continuing to increase throughout the year. The rise in cross-border tourism during the Spring Festival holiday is a clear indication of the immense potential for cross-border tourism to grow, not only in terms of short visits but also in terms of more in-depth travel experiences in the interior regions of both countries.

Economic Impact of Tourism on Local Communities

The surge in tourist arrivals has had a significant economic impact on local communities in both China and Vietnam, driving growth in local businesses, hospitality services, and tourism infrastructure. Vietnamese travelers increasingly seek in-depth experiences in China’s interior, venturing beyond just border crossings to explore cities like Guangxi, Nanning, and Guangzhou. This shift towards longer, more immersive travel experiences has prompted local businesses—from restaurants and shops to tour guides and transport services—to expand their offerings and cater to a growing tourism market.

For cities like Dongxing, a key border town in Guangxi, the influx of visitors has spurred growth in the local economy, especially in the retail and hospitality sectors. Many Vietnamese tourists specifically visit to shop for goods for New Year celebrations, adding to the seasonal demand in the local markets. The city has responded by diversifying its offerings, such as intangible cultural heritage displays and seafood night markets, helping to create a more well-rounded tourism experience that contributes to a sustainable tourism economy.

The Role of Cross-Border Tourism in Strengthening Regional Economic Ties

Cross-border tourism has become a vital part of China-Vietnam relations, not only benefiting local economies but also contributing to regional economic integration. The tourism industry in Guangxi has seen the creation of new jobs and tourism-related services that help maintain economic stability in border regions, which are often more dependent on trade and tourism.

The Detian-Ban Gioc Waterfall cross-border tourism cooperation zone, established in October 2024, is another example of how cross-border tourism is facilitating regional economic growth. The cooperation zone allows travelers to freely explore both sides of the Detian-Ban Gioc Waterfall, a stunning natural landmark shared by both China and Vietnam, supporting local economies through increased tourist arrivals. The seamless travel experience provided by the cooperation zone has helped foster stronger ties between the two countries, making the region more accessible for international tourists while also encouraging local economic development.

Tourism’s Role in Balancing Economic Growth and Environmental Sustainability

The recent surge in cross-border tourism is also an opportunity to focus on sustainable tourism practices that balance economic growth with the preservation of natural resources and local culture. In popular destinations like the Detian-Ban Gioc Waterfall and Dongxing, local authorities are increasingly aware of the need to manage tourism growth while protecting the environment. The tourism sector’s contribution to sustainable development is vital in ensuring that natural wonders and cultural sites are preserved for future generations, even as visitor numbers continue to rise.

To address these challenges, both China and Vietnam have implemented tourism management policies that promote eco-friendly travel and ensure that the benefits of tourism are distributed fairly across regions. This focus on sustainable tourism will help maintain the long-term economic benefits of cross-border tourism while preventing the negative impacts of over-tourism in popular destinations.

Tourism as a Driver of Cultural Exchange and Soft Power

As tourism demand between China and Vietnam grows, it is also fostering cultural exchange between the two countries. This exchange goes beyond the typical tourist experience, offering travelers the opportunity to immerse themselves in each other’s heritage, food, and traditions. For example, Vietnamese travelers visiting Guangxi are not just exploring new landscapes but also experiencing Chinese culture through food, festivals, and local customs, while Chinese tourists visiting Vietnam can enjoy rich cultural interactions with local communities.

This cultural exchange is fostering greater understanding and soft power between the two countries, promoting tourism as a way to deepen bilateral ties. The growing emphasis on cross-border tourism as a vehicle for soft diplomacy is a reflection of how tourism can be used as a tool for global collaboration and peacebuilding.

The Future of Cross-Border Tourism Between China and Vietnam

As cross-border tourism between China and Vietnam continues to expand, the future impact on both countries’ tourism industries is expected to be profound. With increasing tourism infrastructure, easier travel policies, and enhanced connectivity, the flow of tourists will continue to support regional economic growth while promoting cultural understanding between the two nations.

Moving forward, China and Vietnam are likely to implement additional tourism policies to further encourage sustainable growth, ensuring that tourism continues to be a positive force for local economies and communities while managing the challenges of overtourism. The successful integration of cross-border tourism will likely serve as a model for other regions seeking to harness the economic potential of tourism while balancing the needs of local residents and natural preservation.

Cross-Border Tourism’s Growing Economic Impact

The increased number of cross-border tourists between China and Vietnam is evidence of the growing economic significance that tourism can create for local communities, regions, and national economies. As the two countries continue to develop tourism infrastructure and joint policies, the economic significance of tourism will continue to be felt in the remote regions and cultural centers.

The Detian-Ban Gioc Waterfall area and the cultural exchange that results from tourism will continue to promote balanced growth in both countries. Cross-border tourism between China and Vietnam is not only an engine for economic growth but also a means of cultural diplomacy, making it an essential element of future tourism policies in both countries.

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