A photo taken by a Ningbo visitor on the recent trip to Japan. [Photo/Ningbo Evening News]

A group of six individuals from Ningbo, Zhejiang province departed for Osaka, Japan on Aug 12.

The trip, organized by Zhejiang Spring Holiday International Travel Service Co Ltd, marks the return of group travel from Ningbo to Japan after a three-year pause caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

With a meticulously crafted itinerary, the exclusive group will explore the iconic destinations of Osaka, Kyoto, Fujisan, Izu, Kamakura, and Tokyo.

While most package tours from other cities in China typically last five to seven days, the intrepid Ningbo group has set out on a thrilling 10-day adventure, demonstrating the city's growing focus on exceptional travel experiences.

"The residents of Ningbo are increasingly seeking high-quality travel experiences," shared Yang Shipei, general manager of Zhejiang Spring Holiday International Travel Service Co Ltd. "Our group will return on Aug 22 after visiting several Japanese landmarks. This journey promises to be a truly memorable experience for all."

This trip follows the recent announcement of the third batch of countries and regions where group tours from China can resume. The list now includes destinations such as South Korea, Turkiye, Belgium, Germany, Norway, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Australia, with a total of 138 options.

The upcoming combined Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holiday, spanning from late September to early October, is a highly sought-after travel period for Ningbo tourists. However, visa requirements, flight availability, and expensive prices have significantly influenced destination choices. It appears that visa-free and visa-on-arrival countries, as well as destinations with convenient visa processes, are the preferred options for outbound travel this year, as reported by the Ningbo Travel Agency Association.