China's National Immigration Administration on Monday announced a visa-free policy for tourist groups from ASEAN countries visiting Xishuangbanna in Southwest China's Yunnan province.

Such tourist groups, made up of at least two ordinary passport holders from the 10 ASEAN countries, can enter and leave China visa-free through the Xishuangbanna Gasa International Airport, Mohan Railway Port and Mohan Highway port in Yunnan province, the NIA said.

Upon entry through any one of the three ports, the groups can stay in Xishuangbanna for up to six days, the NIA said, emphasizing that the tour must be organized and received by travel agencies in China.

An NIA official stated that the policy "marks a significant step towards supporting Yunnan's development as the Chinese pivot to opening-up to the South and Southeast Asia".