20 French tour operators recently completed a 10-day familiarization tour of six major cities across China's Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). The tour from May 25 to June 3 was jointly organized by the China National Tourist Office in Paris and the Department of Culture and Tourism of Guangdong Province.
As part of the "Nihao-China" 2025 campaign, the "Nihao-China" 2025 Educational Tour of French Tour Operators in GBA aimed to deepen cultural understanding and strengthen future tourism cooperation. The French delegation visited Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Chaozhou, Hong Kong, and Macao, following a multi-stop itinerary designed to showcase the GBA's cultural heritage, modern urban development, and travel potential.
Chaozhou leaves a lasting impression
For many participants, Chaozhou proved to be the highlight of the trip. In just two days, the group explored historical landmarks such as the Guangji Bridge and the ancient city center, while also engaging in hands-on activities like traditional embroidery.
Estée Cogneau, a travel advisor from Maisons du Voyage, remarked on the bridge's innovative drawbridge mechanism and historical significance, calling it "a marvel of engineering" and a point of interest she hopes to introduce to French travelers.
Participants also tried their hand at the Yingge Dance—a traditional folk performance—at a local cultural center. They described the dance as deceptively simple yet physically demanding. Some emphasized the appeal of immersive cultural experiences for French clients and expressed plans to develop tailored itineraries focused on Chaozhou's heritage.
Shenzhen showcases tech-integrated tourism
In Shenzhen, participants witnessed firsthand how technology is reshaping tourism experiences. At Lianhua Hill Park, Paloma Esther Levy of Mandarin Voyages enjoyed a drone food delivery service, calling it "beyond expectations."
Jean Paul Pringault, General Manager of Asie Online, was particularly impressed by the city's Science and Technology Museum. He noted Shenzhen's transformation from a business hub to a modern destination with strong appeal for international tourists, especially those interested in technology and urban development.
Cultural immersion during Dragon Boat Festival
Coinciding with the Dragon Boat Festival, the tour also offered opportunities to engage with local customs. In Macao, the group observed dragon boat races. In Zhuhai's traditional Huitong Village, they picked fresh lychees, and in Guangzhou's Liede Village, they sampled longzhou fan, a festival-specific banquet shared communally. Many participants purchased local crafts and souvenirs, even buying extra suitcase to transport their finds back to France.
Visa-free entry supports tourism recovery
The tour also benefited from China's 30-day visa-free entry policy for citizens of 47 countries, including France. Organizers cited the policy as a key factor in making the familiarization trip more convenient and efficient. Notable participants included long-established French agencies with expertise in Asian destinations, such as ASIA, which has operated in China since 1986, and Maisons du Voyage, known for its China-focused cultural itineraries under its "Maison de la Chine" division. They have identified more opportunities through this trip, as Guangdong has traditionally been viewed as a business destination, but this trip helped demonstrate its potential for leisure and cultural tourism—particularly for repeat visitors to China seeking new experiences outside of more familiar destinations like Beijing and Shanghai.
Reporter: Li Fangwang
Photo: Department of Culture and Tourism of Guangdong Province
Editor: Ouyang Yan, Hu Nan, James, Shen He
