The melody of “Gong Xi Fa CAI” is heard in my ears, and the buildings along the street are decorated with golden long queues, passing by tourists in Han and Tang costumes… These are common scenes seen in many parts of China during the Chinese New Year of the Dragon, and also in Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia.

Many industry insiders said that the strong Chinese New Year flavor in Kuala Lumpur is closely related to the mutual visa exemption between China and Malaysia. China has previously announced that it will implement a unilateral visa-free entry policy for six countries, including Malaysia, from December 1, 2023. Malaysia also announced that from December 1, 2023, Malaysia will implement visa-free measures for Chinese citizens within 30 days of entry.

The Malaysian government also hopes that outbound Chinese tourists will drive the recovery of Malaysia’s tourism industry. On Lunar New Year’s Eve, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim took part in the activities at Ji Chang Street in Malacca to experience the thick Spring Festival atmosphere with local citizens and tourists. On the first and second days of the Chinese New Year, Malaysian Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Zhang Qingxin made a special trip to Kuala Lumpur International Airport to greet Chinese tourists and bring them souvenirs.

From high-rise Kuala Lumpur to the historic city of Malacca, Chinese tourists visiting Malaysia are welcoming the New Year on their travels and enjoying new experiences that are both familiar and novel.