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BEIJING , Dec 28 (APP):As the afternoon light bathed the ancient eaves of Nanjing’s Confucius Temple Scenic Area, Hugo from France navigated the bustling streets with remarkable ease. During his first visit to China, with scheduled visits to Wuhan and Shenyang, he spoke highly of the nation’s seamlessly integrated digital ecosystem.
The immigration process was remarkably smooth, and now my phone handles everything,” he said, displaying his Alipay app. “While we rely on cash and cards in France, here life operates through a smartphone—from shopping to subway rides. Alipay has become my essential travel companion.”
His friend Thomas shared this enthusiasm, noting, “China’s digital payment system surpasses anything I’ve encountered elsewhere—it’s fundamentally simpler and more seamlessly integrated into daily life.” Thomas rated his Chinese experience a perfect 10, a sentiment bolstered by the recent expansion of China’s visa-free policy, which has made such technological discoveries more accessible to international visitors.
This digital immersion extends beyond tourists to international students and long-term residents. Tony Cross, a British student who arrived in Nanjing four months ago, demonstrated how deeply digital tools are woven into daily life. “WeChat keeps me connected, while WeChat Pay and its mini-programs handle everything from payments to service bookings—it’s an all-in-one lifestyle platform,” he explained. “I’ve also noticed my classmates participating in major shopping events like Double Eleven through these platforms.”, CEN reported.
Nearby, Tony’s family from Britain were enjoying their first Christmas holiday in China. “Our arrival in Shanghai was effortless—from airport taxi and Didi rides to the magnificent bullet train to Nanjing,” recalled David Cross, Tony’s father, who first visited China 15 years ago. “The transformation is extraordinary. Everything is cleaner, safer and more technologically advanced.”
While acknowledging the convenience, Hugo suggested that “more multilingual restaurant menus would help international visitors better explore local cuisine.” David Cross also reflected on the scale of development: “Coming from Sheffield, Nanjing’s size and vibrancy are astounding. We hope China continues to open up through international cooperation and trade.”
Supporting these experiences, China’s mobile payment infrastructure has seen growth through diversified platforms. In 2024, the transaction volume reached 563.7 trillion yuan with a user base exceeding 1 billion—the highest global penetration rate. From urban centers to rural communities, transactions can be completed with just a smartphone and QR code, significantly reducing social transaction costs while enhancing productivity.
The ecosystem continues to evolve with innovative methods including facial recognition, fingerprinting and voice-activated payments, providing greater efficiency and security. Notably, China’s state-backed payment network has shown impressive growth. Data from January to November 2025 reveals that UnionPay QR code transactions increased by 30% compared to the same period in 2024. Interoperability between UnionPay, Alipay and WeChat Pay is playing an increasingly vital role in facilitating international exchanges and deepening economic cooperation.
This payment convenience is simultaneously accelerating the recovery of China’s inbound tourism market. As international visitors experience smoother transactions, their spending willingness increases, further driving the interconnectivity and optimization of payment networks across platforms.
As David Cross contemplated future visits, he voiced a perspective shared by many international travelers: “China’s blend of ancient culture and cutting-edge technology creates unique travel experiences. With increasing payment interoperability and international cooperation, we anticipate even more seamless journeys ahead.”