China recorded 22.91 million foreign arrivals during the first half of 2026, as expanded visa-free access, digital payment improvements and easier entry procedures supported inbound tourism growth.
The China tourism boom accelerated in the first half of 2026, with the country recording 22.91 million foreign arrivals. The figure represented a 20.4% increase compared with the same period of 2025, according to data from China’s Ministry of Public Security and National Immigration Administration.
Visa-free travel played a central role in the increase. Of the total foreign arrivals, 17.81 million entered China under expanded visa exemption arrangements, marking annual growth of 30.6%.
Consequently, visa-free travellers accounted for approximately 77.7% of all foreign arrivals during the six-month period. The figures demonstrate the growing impact of China’s facilitation policies for international tourism demand.
Visa policies reshape China’s inbound markets
The China tourism boom has been supported by the gradual expansion of China’s unilateral visa-free policy, which now covers 50 countries. Authorities have also extended the 240-hour, or ten-day, visa-free transit programme to travellers from 55 countries.
The transit scheme is available through 65 entry points across the country. Together, the programmes have changed both the volume and geographical composition of China’s international visitor market.
Official figures identified South Korea, Russia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, the United States, Japan, Mongolia and Australia as the ten leading source markets. Combined, these countries accounted for 62% of total foreign arrivals.
Meanwhile, European demand rose sharply ahead of the 2026 summer travel season. Bookings by European travellers increased by 275% year on year, while bookings from Russia recorded growth of 553%.
Digital services reduce barriers for international visitors
The expansion of visa-free travel has coincided with measures designed to simplify payments, shopping and border procedures. These changes address several practical challenges previously faced by international visitors travelling independently in China.
WeChat Pay and Alipay now allow foreign travellers to connect international bank cards directly to their digital payment accounts. Supported cards include Visa, Mastercard, Discover and JCB.
As a result, visitors can use mobile payments for taxis, restaurants, retail purchases and transactions at smaller businesses. They no longer require a Chinese bank account to access many everyday payment services.
China has also introduced digital “Tax Refund at Store” services in major shopping districts and commercial centres. The system enables eligible international visitors to receive tax refunds directly at participating retail locations.
The service is available in destinations including Beijing’s Sanlitun district and major shopping areas in Shanghai. Therefore, visitors can complete the refund process at the point of purchase rather than waiting until departure.
Entry procedures have also been simplified at major airports and tourism destinations. At locations such as Zhangjiajie, processing improvements have reportedly reduced immigration and customs wait times to less than 30 minutes.
Inbound demand moves beyond traditional sightseeing
The China tourism boom is also influencing the types of destinations and experiences that foreign visitors select. Analysis reported by China Central Television and People’s Daily points to increased demand for immersive activities and local experiences.
One emerging trend is the growth of “cool summer” travel. High temperatures across parts of the Northern Hemisphere have increased demand for mountain destinations and areas with lower seasonal temperatures.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in Hunan and Changbai Mountain have recorded particularly strong visitor demand. Changbai Mountain has an average summer temperature below 22°C, strengthening its position as a seasonal mountain destination.
Meanwhile, international visitors are increasingly exploring daily life beyond China’s established landmarks. Social media content linked to the hashtags #ChinaTravel and #Chinamaxxing has generated billions of views across international platforms.
Visitors continue to travel to major attractions such as the Great Wall and the Forbidden City. However, itineraries now increasingly include Tai Chi sessions in Beijing’s public parks, visits to technology markets and local food experiences.
In Shenzhen, the Huaqiangbei electronics district has become a destination for travellers interested in smart devices and consumer technology. In Beijing, traditional hutong neighbourhoods attract visitors seeking local cuisine and community-based cultural experiences.
China strengthens its international tourism position
China’s inbound tourism strategy combines broader visa access with digital infrastructure, simplified border processing and destination marketing. Together, these measures have made independent travel more accessible for a larger number of international visitors.
The 22.91 million foreign arrivals recorded during the first half of 2026 indicate continued recovery in inbound demand. At the same time, the 30.6% increase in visa-free entries highlights the importance of entry facilitation in supporting growth.
China’s tourism authorities are also promoting a wider range of destinations and travel experiences. The approach aims to distribute international demand beyond established urban attractions while supporting cultural, mountain and experience-based tourism.