Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever traveled to another country before? If so, which country did you visit? If not, where do you want to go?
- Do you know what a visa is used for when traveling? If so, who helped you get your visa? If not, where can you learn about visas?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- policy /POL-uh-see/
- cooperation /koh-op-uh-REY-shuhn/
- request /ri-KWEST/
- opportunity /op-er-TOO-ni-tee/
- interaction /in-ter-AK-shuhn/
[noun] – a set of ideas or a plan used as a basis for making decisions
The school has a new policy about using phones.
[noun] – the act of working together with someone for a purpose
Good cooperation helps people finish group work faster.
[noun] – the act of asking for something politely
She made a request for more time.
[noun] – a chance to do something
This job is a good opportunity to learn.
[noun] – communication between people
The teacher wants more interaction in class.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
In July 2025, China made a major change to its visa policy to support tourism and the national economy. A total of 75 countries are now part of a new rule that allows travelers to enter without a visa for up to 30 days. This visa-free entry system started expanding in 2023 and continued in 2024. According to the National Immigration Administration, over 20 million people visited China without a visa in 2024, making up one-third of all foreign visitors. This number was more than double compared to the year before. The policy aims to make travel more accessible and improve China’s global image. It also encourages stronger cooperation with other nations.
As more visitors arrive, tour guides and companies are making important changes. A guide named Gao Jun said he felt overwhelmed by tourist requests, so he launched a training program for new English-speaking guides. WildChina, a luxury travel company, shared that business rose by 50% compared to before the pandemic. The number of European clients increased from 5% to 20%. Trip.com reported more bookings from visa-free regions. Though the policy is beneficial, it excludes some countries. Still, experts believe it will stimulate tourism and create more opportunities for cultural interaction.
As more visitors arrive, tour guides and companies are making important changes. A guide named Gao Jun said he felt overwhelmed by tourist requests, so he launched a training program for new English-speaking guides. WildChina, a luxury travel company, shared that business rose by 50% compared to before the pandemic. The number of European clients increased from 5% to 20%. Trip.com reported more bookings from visa-free regions. Though the policy is beneficial, it excludes some countries. Still, experts believe it will stimulate tourism and create more opportunities for cultural interaction.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What change did China make in July 2025?
- How many countries are part of the new visa rule?
- How long can travelers stay without a visa?
- When did the visa-free entry system begin expanding?
- How many people visited China without a visa in 2024?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever visited a country that needed a visa? If so, where did you go? If not, where do you want to go?
- Have you ever joined a guided tour before? If so, what did you learn? If not, would you like to try one?
- Do you agree that visa-free travel makes trips easier for tourists?
- Why do you think China wants to improve its global image through travel?
- What problems might happen if too many tourists visit at once?