China has become a hot travel destination, attracting a growing number of foreign tourists thanks to its new visa-free policies. The country has witnessed a significant surge in inbound tourism, driven by the introduction of 15-day visa-free stays for certain countries, extended transit visas, and new cruise ship policies. This has made traveling to China more accessible and appealing to travelers from around the world.
The Summer Palace, a renowned imperial garden in Beijing, is bustling with activity as Ren Chao guides a group of Spanish-speaking travelers. The influx of tourists reflects the growing popularity of China as a travel destination. Statistics from China’s National Immigration Administration highlight the dramatic increase in foreign arrivals. In the first half of 2024, 14.6 million foreigners entered China, marking a staggering 152.7 percent year-on-year increase.
This spike can be attributed to China’s liberal visa policies, including 15-day visa-free stays for citizens of specific countries and the extension of 72 or 144-hour transit visas to 54 countries. Many foreign travelers, who were previously interested in exploring China, seized the opportunity to visit following these policy changes.
Social media platforms are flooded with trending videos showcasing foreign tourists exploring various attractions in China. Searching for “China Travel” reveals a plethora of content highlighting the country’s rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes. This online buzz has translated into a significant boost in sales of tourism-related products.
Boon Sian Chai, Managing Director for International Markets at Trip.com Group, emphasizes the positive impact of the visa-free policies. From January to June this year, bookings for flights, hotels, and tickets have grown by an impressive 230 percent year-on-year. Popular destinations include the Forbidden City, Shanghai Film Park, and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in Lijiang, attracting tourists with their historical significance, cultural experiences, and natural beauty.
China has further expanded its visa-free program to include Poland, Australia, and New Zealand, valid until the end of 2025. Polish citizens are the latest beneficiaries of this policy, designed to stimulate tourism. This initiative, rolled out in early 2024, initially benefited 11 other European countries and Malaysia, aiming to attract more business, luxury, and leisure travelers while fostering interactions between Chinese citizens and foreign nationals.
In addition to the expanded program, citizens from Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Spain, and Switzerland now have visa-free entry to China until the end of next year. Polish citizens will join this list starting July 1, 2024, further increasing the potential for inbound tourism from Europe.
China has introduced a new policy allowing visa-free entry for foreign nationals arriving on cruise ships as part of group tours, with a maximum stay of 15 days. This initiative aims to boost the country’s economy by attracting more tourists. The visa-free policy is available at specific cruise ports in 13 coastal cities, such as Tianjin, Dalian, Shanghai, and Xiamen.
Groups entering under this policy must proceed to their next scheduled port and exit China within 15 days on the same cruise ship. This allows visitors to explore coastal provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities directly governed by the Central Government, and Beijing. The expanded visa-free travel policies have proven highly popular among tourists from Southeast Asia, particularly from Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. These tourists have eagerly explored China’s diverse landscapes, from the scenic mountains of Yunnan to the bustling metropolises of Beijing and Shanghai.
Data from Trip.com indicates a sharp rise in the number of tourists from Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore visiting China since the implementation of the visa-free policies. The ease of travel has made China an attractive destination for these travelers, further contributing to the growth of the tourism industry.
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, one of China’s major aviation hubs, is playing a key role in boosting inbound tourism. The airport has significantly increased its capacity and connectivity, offering direct flights to a growing number of international destinations. Enhanced facilities, streamlined immigration processes, and expanded services cater to the needs of global travelers, ensuring a seamless and efficient entry into China. The airport’s strategic initiatives, such as partnerships with international airlines and targeted marketing campaigns, have successfully attracted a larger influx of tourists.
This surge in inbound travelers contributes to the overall growth of China’s tourism industry, showcasing the country’s appeal as a top travel destination. The government’s efforts to simplify visa requirements have proven highly effective in attracting tourists and fostering cultural exchange. As China continues to expand its visa-free travel program, the country is poised to become an even more popular destination for travelers from around the world.
