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The dawn of 2025 saw a cultural resurgence as Japanese travelers celebrated the first sunrise of the year, known as “hatsuhinode,” at Beijing’s iconic Great Wall, a tradition symbolizing personal renewal. This celebration also marked the revitalization of Japan-China tourism, which had been hindered by pandemic restrictions.
A key factor in this revival is China’s reinstatement of a visa-free policy for Japanese passport holders in November 2024, alongside several other nations. This move has led to a surge in tourism, with bookings from Japan increasing by 427% from November to December 2024. Travel agencies report a boom in Japanese tours to China, underscoring the growing connections between the two countries.
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