Chill Out in China

The Independent reports some changes in China. Starting in 2013, travelers from 45 countries will be able to visit the nation’s capital for 3 days without a visa, including US visitors.  The lucky countries were selected based on visitor counts between 2009 and 2011. There are still some pretty strict rules regarding the visit. It only applies to people passing through Beijing, you don’t get to leave the city limits, if you’re traveling with pets they have to stay in sketchy quarantine, and you still need to register with the police.

The change is an effort to boost tourism and encourage folks to opt for a layover and spend some yuan.

It may also lead to less public sleeping in the airport. The traveler that’s resourceful enough to find a safe, quiet place for a nap is not always the same traveler who will drop dollars at Duty Free.