Evan Kail, a visitor from the United States who has been touring the Chinese mainland since Jan 15, said he is deeply impressed by the vibrant Spring Festival celebrations.

Kail noted the cultural differences between the two countries, saying that holidays in the US are often shorter and more commercialized, whereas Spring Festival carries greater cultural depth and lasts longer.

"It (Spring Festival) is a whole season, not just a day. There's preparation, travel, family time, traditions, food and symbolism. It feels layered," said Kail, adding that the Chinese New Year's Eve dinner and putting up couplets were the highlights that impressed him the most.

"At first, I thought it was just decoration, but once you understand the meaning behind the words, the wishes for luck, peace and prosperity, it feels more personal. It's simple but meaningful, and I like traditions that carry that kind of weight," he added.

Arja Dutta, from India, said she has a strong interest in Chinese culture and has known about Spring Festival since 2019.

"I write Spring Festival couplets, and I feel touched when I write them," she said. "Spring Festival is the best time to experience the festive atmosphere. If you wish to experience the real and authentic Chinese culture, it will definitely be Spring Festival!"

Tourism insiders and experts have noted the global interest in experiencing Spring Festival in China, highlighting its significance in increasing the impact of Chinese culture worldwide and boosting confidence in traditional Chinese culture.

Zhang Jinshan, a researcher at Beijing Union University's tourism planning and development research institute, deems Spring Festival as a core symbol and significant carrier of traditional Chinese culture.

"In 2024, Spring Festival was officially inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, enhancing its global recognition and evoking international travelers' desire to experience it personally," Zhang said.

"China's optimized policies on visas, payments and tax refunds have accelerated the recovery and growth of the inbound tourism market in recent years.

"As more foreigners come to China because of cultural fascination, it will greatly help the nation improve cultural influence, tell China's stories to the world, and enhance Chinese people's cultural confidence," he added.

Wang Nasi and Li Qianya contributed to this story.

chengsi@chinadaily.com.cn