"Laowai" in China | China's Chongqing emerges as "coolcation" hotspot for global visitors

CHONGQING, Aug. 15 (Xinhua) -- As a relentless heatwave sweeps across the globe, many unique cool escapes are turning "China Cool" into the latest buzzword on overseas social media, hot on the heels of "China Travel."

Despite the blazing heat, southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, famed for its mountainous terrain and multi-layered urban landscape, continues to attract global travelers.

According to the Chongqing General Station of Exit and Entry Frontier Inspection, more than 610,000 inbound and outbound trips by foreign nationals were recorded at Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport in the first half of the year, marking an 86-percent surge year on year.

Thanks to China's visa-free policies and other travel facilitation measures, Chongqing is rapidly gaining traction as a go-to "coolcation" hotspot for international visitors. Creative cool-off spaces, diverse travel experiences and comprehensive summer services have all contributed to its rising appeal.