The centers also became one of the first to offer mobile-payment services for Chinese last year.

"We're also one of the first visa sections in China to communicate with the public on social media," Schaerli says.

"We explain what the visa is about in an easy and funny way on WeChat and Sina Weibo, and have received positive (responses). We process all our visa applications within 48 hours, even in the high season. We're happy to issue more long-term visas of up to five years for frequent business travelers and those who often travel to Germany."

The embassy's visa section processed 433,000 applications from China last year, a 3 percent increase over 2016.

About one-third of the business visas issued last year are long-term.

"Our goal for this year is to make travel to Germany more attractive and to further extend our visa services," she says.

Perhaps more Chinese will visit to savor the flavors of the country-including, but by no means limited to, its cuisine.

Contact the writer at xulin@chinadaily.com.cn