China is experiencing a significant increase in foreign tourist arrivals this summer, driven largely by its expanded visa-free travel policy and improved travel infrastructure. The policy changes have encouraged repeat visits and boosted tourism beyond the country’s traditional hotspots.

According to various industry and government data sources, inbound travel bookings surged by over 600 percent during the recent Dragon Boat Festival holiday from June 19 to 21. Aviation data indicate that direct inbound flights to China grew by 8.3 percent in the 12 months ending June 10, while airline seat capacity from June through August is expected to reach 22.4 million, an increase of 4.3 percent year on year.

This robust growth builds on strong performance during the May Day holiday in early May, when foreign trips to and from China rose 12.5 percent year on year to 1.26 million, with approximately 436,000 travelers entering visa-free — a 14.7 percent increase compared to the previous year.

Authorities in Beijing have actively dismantled travel barriers in response to economic challenges such as a property market slowdown and subdued domestic consumption. Since late 2023, China has added more than 50 countries to its visa-free list, facilitating easier access for international visitors. Visa-free transit stays have also been extended from six to 10 days in many cases, while instant tax refunds and multilingual ticketing systems at over 290 major tourist attractions have simplified processes for foreign tourists.

Industry experts attribute the uptick in visits not only to relaxed visa policies but also to improved air connectivity and expanded payment acceptance for foreign credit cards, which had previously posed obstacles. “Visa-free policies, easier transit rules, improved payment access and stronger air connectivity are making China easier to visit,” said Subramania Bhatt, CEO of China Trading Desk.

Travel agencies note a growing number of first-time foreign visitors, particularly from Europe, North America, and Asia, who often return for further trips. Repeat travelers show a preference for exploring second-tier cities like Chengdu, Chongqing, and Guizhou rather than sticking to established tourist centers such as Beijing and Shanghai.

Australian tourist Nikolas Karageorge, who plans an itinerary spanning Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu, and beyond, exemplifies this trend toward venturing “off the beaten path” to less frequented regions that offer unique cultural and natural experiences.

Certain inland provinces, including Heilongjiang, Guizhou, Hunan, and Shanxi, along with the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, have seen inbound visitor numbers rise more than 60 percent during recent holiday periods. Coastal cities such as Qingdao and scenic destinations like Zhangjiajie and Guilin have each recorded inbound growth exceeding 100 percent year on year.

As China’s visa-free policies enable broader access and travelers increasingly explore beyond major urban hubs, the country’s tourism sector appears poised to play a more prominent role in supporting its wider economic recovery efforts.