Shanxi province has become a popular destination for international tourists following the implementation of the 240-hour visa-free transit policy in Taiyuan and Datong, with the number of temporary visitors to the province doubling last year, leading to a surge in demand for foreign payment services.

Under the leadership of the People's Bank of China Shanxi Branch, the province has established a comprehensive payment network that covers all aspects of life, including dining, accommodation, transportation, tourism, shopping, entertainment, and healthcare. 

The bank has developed eight provincial and 12 municipal payment service demonstration zones, equipped transportation hubs with ATMs that accept foreign cards, and displayed bilingual guides. Demonstration zone commercial entities now accept both domestic and international bank cards, with 52 key business districts also accepting foreign cards. The total number of commercial entities accepting foreign cards in the province reached 70,000 by the end of 2025, with 858,000 transactions totaling 170 million yuan ($24.61 million).

As a cultural and tourism hub, Datong saw a more than 40 percent increase in summer tourism orders last year, with 1,405 key commercial entities accepting foreign cards and 691 ATMs supporting foreign card withdrawals, covering core scenic spots and business districts.

From transportation hubs to scenic areas, Shanxi provides a comprehensive payment network, ensuring worry-free travel and payment for tourists. The province will continue to enhance the payment environment to support the development of the cultural and tourism industry.