For International Travelers:
- 21.33 million foreign visitors in Q1 2026
- 22.3% year-over-year growth
- Visa-free entries now account for 77.9% of total
- Top source markets: South Korea, Japan, USA, Russia
- Average stay length: 5.2 days
- Tourism spending reached USD 131.1 billion in 2025
China's tourism sector continues its remarkable recovery with Q1 2026 showing unprecedented growth in international arrivals, driven largely by expanded visa-free policies and improving travel infrastructure.
| Metric | Q1 2026 | YoY Change |
|---|
| Foreign Arrivals | 21.33 million | +22.3% |
| Visa-Free Entries | 16.62 million | +29.3% |
| Visa-Free Share | 77.9% | +4.1pp |
| Total Cross-Border Travel | 185 million | +13.5% |
- South Korea: 3.2 million visitors (+18%)
- Japan: 2.8 million visitors (+22%)
- United States: 2.1 million visitors (+35%)
- Russia: 1.9 million visitors (+28%)
- United Kingdom: 1.4 million visitors (+42%)
- Destination diversification: Visitors now reach 97 cities, up from 72 in 2024
- Longer stays: Average trip length increased from 4.1 to 5.2 days
- Off-peak travel: Shoulder season bookings up 40%
- Experience-focused: Cultural and food tours outpace traditional sightseeing
| Region | Q1 Arrivals | Growth |
|---|
| Guangdong | 4.2 million | +25% |
| Shanghai | 3.8 million | +20% |
| Beijing | 3.1 million | +18% |
| Zhejiang | 2.4 million | +28% |
| Hunan | 1.8 million | +45% |
| Yunnan | 1.5 million | +38% |
China is more welcoming than ever. Let us help you plan your perfect trip.