The number of foreigners who became permanent Chinese residents in 2016 jumped 163% from the previous year to 1,576, according to the Ministry of Public Security. Foreigners with permanent residence enjoy the same rights as Chinese citizens in areas such as investment, housing purchases and schooling. Shanghai saw six times more green card applications from foreigners and their families. The number of such applications in Beijing last year soared 426% from that of 2015. Foreigners made over 56.5 million trips to China last year, up 8.9% from 2015. At present, 15 Chinese cities allow a 72-hour visa-free entry for nationals of certain countries. Shanghai, as well as Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces, offer 144-hour visa-free stay for transit passengers from certain countries, the Shanghai Daily reports.