Beyond the Fjords: Chinese Tourists Explore Norway’s Unexpected Charms

Published on September 10, 2024

The Norwegian tourism industry is celebrating the return of Chinese tourists, according to officials at a recent tourism promotion event in Oslo. Bjorn Krag Ingul, senior adviser at Innovation Norway, highlighted that more Chinese travelers are now opting for independent trips to Norway, exploring lesser-known areas and engaging with the local culture and daily life rather than focusing on quick visits to famous landmarks.

“In fact, their eagerness to discover hidden gems and lesser-known destinations has even surprised our visa division, who couldn’t believe Chinese travelers were aware of these places,” Ingul noted during the Chengdu, More Than Pandas tourism promotion event.

This shift in travel trends aligns with the goals of Innovation Norway and the China-based Scandinavian Tourist Board, which aims to promote extended stays in Norway across all seasons. The board is working to inspire travel operators to highlight the unique experiences Norway offers beyond traditional tourist attractions.

Simultaneously, China has encouraged more reciprocal travel from Norway. In November of last year, Norway was added to the list of countries eligible for China’s 144-hour visa-free transit policy, allowing short stays. Chengdu, one of the cities included in this policy, is eager to attract Norwegian visitors.

Wang Jian, deputy director of the Chengdu Municipal Bureau of Culture, Broadcast, Television, and Tourism, expressed enthusiasm for welcoming Norwegian tourists. “Chengdu is the hometown of the giant panda, but it offers much more than that. We warmly invite our Norwegian friends to stroll through the streets of Chengdu and experience the charm of this park city under snowcapped mountains,” he said.

Cultural Exchange and New Travel Trends

The Chengdu, More Than Pandas event also focused on fostering mutual tourism between China and Norway. Norwegian travelers were encouraged to explore Chengdu, a city renowned for its cultural heritage, natural beauty, and laid-back atmosphere. Chengdu offers much more than its famous pandas, with diverse experiences in culture, nature, and local lifestyle.

As Chinese tourists continue to seek out new experiences in Norway, from hidden gems to cultural immersion, both countries are benefiting from this evolving travel landscape. Norwegian officials are optimistic about the growing interest in unique destinations within the country, while Chengdu aims to attract more Norwegian visitors to explore its rich cultural offerings.

This new wave of cultural exchange through tourism signals a promising future for travel between China and Norway, as both countries explore fresh opportunities for visitors to experience their hidden treasures.