China has stepped up international cultural and tourism cooperation during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), enhancing people-to-people exchanges and advancing the Global Civilization Initiative, said Sun Yeli, deputy director of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and minister of cultural and tourism, at a press conference Monday

China has been expanding its global circle of friends, signing cultural cooperation agreements with over 150 countries and memorandums of understanding on outbound tourism with more than 140 countries and regions, Sun noted.

Themed cultural years, including the China-Russia Years of Culture and the China-France Year of Culture and Tourism, have enhanced exchanges and communication among civilizations. Platforms like the China-U.S. Tourism Leadership Summit have also strengthened bilateral ties.

China has worked with international organizations, hosting events such as the third UNESCO High-Level Forum for Museums and the 44th session of the World Heritage Committee. The Silk Road international league of theaters, museums, art festivals, libraries, and art galleries has expanded, while platforms like the Liangzhu Forum have gained growing international recognition.

Chinese culture is also going global through the promotion of cultural hallmarks like the Spring Festival, tea, and the Mid-Autumn Festival. Traditional cultural symbols — including martial arts, Chinese painting, and folk music — along with emerging cultural exports such as animation, games, and short videos, are winning over global audiences, Sun added.

Alongside cultural exchange, China has continued to roll out measures to facilitate inbound tourism, offering more convenient services in areas such as visas, customs, international transportation, payment, sightseeing, and tax refunds. In 2024, inbound tourist arrivals reached 132 million, up more than 60% year on year, while outbound travel by mainland residents totaled 123 million trips, up over 40%. This two-way flow has fostered deeper understanding and stronger friendships.

China will continue to deepen international cultural and tourism cooperation to strengthen people-to-people bonds, Sun said.