International Desk: Beijing is expanding its multilingual service system to make travel and consumer services more convenient and accessible for foreign tourists visiting China, amid a rapid rise in tourism and consumer spending.

In March this year, the city’s first multilingual after-sales service station was launched at the Silk Street Shopping Mall in Beijing’s Chaoyang District. The centre provides a range of services for foreign shoppers and international business visitors, including consultations, complaint handling, and dispute resolution in multiple languages.

According to mall authorities, the number of foreign tourists increased more than fivefold on the first day of the May Day holiday compared to the same period last year, driven by China’s more convenient visa policies and the ongoing tourism boom during holiday seasons.

One foreign visitor noted that compared to a few years ago, the Silk Market is now far more organised, with improved product quality and a wider variety of goods available.

Officials said that more than 20 consumer protection service centres have already been established across Chaoyang District. Since March, Silk Street Mall has been serving an average of more than 50 foreign tourist groups each day.

Beijing authorities are also planning to build a more integrated and efficient citywide service network in the future. The initiative aims to move beyond reactive consumer protection measures and instead provide comprehensive support throughout the entire service process for international visitors.

Analysts say the expansion of multilingual services reflects Beijing’s broader effort to strengthen its image as an international tourism and consumption hub while improving the overall experience for overseas visitors.

Information and Photo: CCTV