Planes land at the Hangzhou International Airport. [Photo/WeChat account: hzfbwx]

On July 1, Laos officially implemented a visa-free policy for Chinese tourists. Curious about direct flights from Hangzhou? Here's what you need to know!

According to the new policy, Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, and Macao tourists holding ordinary passports can enjoy a 15-day visa-free stay in Laos when organized by a Lao travel agency. The trips must be approved by the Lao Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, and the Immigration Department. The policy is valid until Dec 31 this year.

Hangzhou International Airport now offers direct flights to Vientiane. A one-way ticket, including taxes, costs around 1,000 yuan ($137.5), with round-trip fares approximately 2,200 yuan.

With China's visa-free travel options expanding, outbound tourism is entering its peak season. As of June, China has had mutual visa exemption agreements with over 150 countries, with popular destinations including Japan, Thailand, South Korea, and Singapore.

Hangzhou airport expects a 38.5-percent year-on-year increase in international travel this summer. The airport will also restore or increase flights to nine destinations, including Shizuoka, Chiang Mai, and Jeju, adding 25 flights per week.