Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, saw a surge of inbound visitors during the May Day holiday, thanks to the optimized visa and tax refund policies and the city's unique cultural and tourism offerings.

Statistics from the province's border inspection authority show that Chengdu's border inspection station recorded 54,000 cross-border passenger trips in the first three days of the holiday, increasing 17 percent year-on-year.

More than 5,700 inbound passenger trips were made by international travelers during this period, surging 170 percent year-on-year, according to the authority.

During the five-day holiday, inbound travel bookings rose 130 percent from a year earlier, with Chengdu among the top five popular destinations, according to Trip.com Group, China's online travel agency.

Data from travel platform Qunar reveals that inbound tourists to Chengdu, along with Xiamen in Fujian province, Nanjing in Jiangsu province, Haikou in Hainan province, and Chongqing municipality, doubled compared to last year.

International travelers no longer limit their interests to traditional sightseeing. They seek immersive cultural experiences in the city, from interacting with giant pandas and watching Sichuan Opera face-changing performances to savoring spicy hotpot and learning authentic Sichuan cooking techniques.

Swiss traveler Alex said every corner of Chengdu holds wonderful surprises. "The aroma of Sichuan peppercorns in the air is the warmest welcome," he said, pointing to diners waiting in line for hotpot in an alley.

The country's tax refund policy has ignited shopping enthusiasm among international visitors in Chengdu, with handbags, suitcases, watches, clothing, and jewelry becoming the most sought-after items.

Dutch tourist Portengen received an instant tax refund of 40 yuan ($5.5) at the Chengdu SKP mall after buying 400-yuan worth of clothing using his Visa card.

"You can get your tax refund immediately," said Portengen. "While many countries usually process refunds only upon departure, this real-time tax-refund shopping experience in Chengdu is really amazing."

Official data shows that the city's tax refund transactions during the May Day holiday surged by 160 percent year-on-year, with refund amounts up 121 percent.