Cross-border tourism booms as Laos visitors travel via China-Laos Railway to Xishuangbanna

Improved cross-border customs clearance efficiency and the seamless operation of the China-Laos Railway have greatly facilitated inbound travel between Laos and southwest China’s Xishuangbanna. More Laos tourists take international passenger trains and enter China through the Mohan Port to experience the distinctive rainforest scenery and ethnic customs of Xishuangbanna, driving continuous growth in cross-border leisure tourism demand.

A 150-member tourist group from Laos recently completed inbound entry via the Mohan Port by boarding the China-Laos international train, embarking on a four-day leisure tour in Xishuangbanna. Tourists spent time exploring the Xishuangbanna Primeval Forest Park, where the well-preserved tropical rainforest landscapes attracted frequent stops and photography.

Beyond natural ecological scenery, the ancient charm of local Dai villages, bustling night markets in Gaozhuang and authentic Dai cuisine deliver immersive experiences of diverse ethnic culture and local urban vitality. Major scenic spots in Xishuangbanna continue to upgrade service facilities and enrich tourism offerings. Multi-language guide signs have been installed across core tourist areas, while full coverage of cross-border mobile scan payment has been realised, substantially enhancing the overall travel experience for overseas visitors.

According to local tourism statistics, inbound overnight tourist arrivals from Laos to Xishuangbanna surged 25.75 percent year on year from January to April this year, establishing Laos as one of the core overseas tourist source markets for the region’s inbound tourism sector. Streamlined cross-border procedures and efficient rail transport have greatly shortened travel preparation cycles. Tour groups can complete itinerary planning and train ticket bookings within one to two days, supporting steady growth in inbound tourist group arrivals from Southeast Asian countries.

Mohan Border Checkpoint has rolled out multiple optimisation measures to support booming cross-border passenger flows. The facility has upgraded clearance equipment and innovated daily service modes, launching 24-hour barrier-free clearance, dedicated Belt and Road passageways and visa-free access channels. These comprehensive improvements have lifted on-site inspection efficiency by more than 30 percent, delivering faster and more convenient cross-border travel services.

The continuous improvement of cross-border travel conditions and supporting services will further release the tourism potential along the China-Laos Railway. Xishuangbanna will keep optimising overseas-oriented tourism services and enriching cultural and ecological tourism products to sustain the expansion of cross-border tourism cooperation between China and Southeast Asian countries.