The city of Guangzhou in south China is to seek the Central Government's approval to grant free 48-hour transit visas to foreign travelers arriving at its new airport, due to open next June. 

If approved, it will be the first mainland city to offer free two-day visas to foreign visitors.

Currently, only foreign tour groups enjoy free six-day visas for tours to the nine cities on the Pearl River Delta and Shantou, in eastern Guangdong. Foreign tour groups can obtain visas on arrival at all mainland entry ports.

(CRI December 1, 2003)