The roar of a lion dance troupe and the beat of traditional drums greeted passengers stepping off flight ZH888 at Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport on Feb. 16, as the city rolled out a festive red carpet for travelers arriving just in time for Chinese New Year’s Eve.
The elaborate welcome ceremony, organized by the Shenzhen Municipal Culture, Media, Tourism and Sports Bureau, aimed to provide an immersive taste of Lingnan culture for passengers arriving from London Heathrow Airport.
As travelers entered the terminal, performers from the Xin’an Shangchuan Huang Liansheng Martial Lion Group weaved through the arrivals hall. Ou Huanzhi, a member of the group, said the performance was intended to leave a lasting impression.
“We hope to use the most authentic local culture to give our foreign friends an unforgettable first impression of China,” he said.
Upon arrival, British visitors were presented with the Spring Festival “Shenzhen Surprise” gift bags packed with exclusive cultural and tourism perks. The bundles included free access to all of the city’s A-level scenic spots, VIP privileges at downtown duty-free shops, and vouchers for local dining and attractions.
The bags also featured bilingual tourism guides, including a travel guide for international visitors, along with lion dance figurines and zodiac-themed souvenirs for the Year of the Horse.
One British traveler, who was seen eagerly flipping through the materials, praised the city’s hospitality. “Free access to attractions, duty-free discounts, and this AI city travel card — this welcome gift is so thoughtful,” he said. “It really helps us figure out where to go.”
Among those waiting in the arrivals hall was Benjamin, an international school teacher who has lived in Shenzhen for three years. He was there to meet his parents, who would join him for a brief stay during the holiday. “We might see a light show or a drone show,” Benjamin said.
“This is my first time in Shenzhen to experience Chinese New Year and see family,” said a young visitor named Annabella.
The transcontinental celebration began before the flight even departed. On Feb. 15, the Shenzhen Municipal Culture, Media, Tourism and Sports Bureau, in partnership with the China National Tourist Office London and Shenzhen Airlines, held a send-off event for passengers at Heathrow Airport, offering early Chinese New Year greetings to travelers, overseas students, and Chinese expatriates heading home.
Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport has rapidly expanded its global reach in recent years. In 2025, the airport launched or resumed more than 20 international routes, including to Melbourne, Malé and Vientiane, bringing its total number of international and regional destinations to over 60 across five continents.
Data from the municipal tourism authority shows that arrivals from the U.K. reached 184,400 in 2025, making it one of Shenzhen’s fastest-growing source markets for inbound tourism.
The festive arrival comes just one day after China announced a visa-free policy for British citizens holding ordinary passports, effective Feb. 17. The new policy allows visa-free entry for stays of up to 30 days for purposes such as business, tourism, family visits, and transit, in a move expected to further boost people-to-people exchanges between China and the U.K.