China Travel Booms as Spring Festival Nears

The popularity of "China Travel" is surging as the Spring Festival approaches, fueled by the country's relaxed visa-free policies.

The Shanghai General Station of Immigration Inspection has witnessed over 130,000 foreigners entering China since January 14th, with 75,000 utilizing visa-free options. South Korea, Japan, Thailand, Australia, and Malaysia top the list of visa-free entries.

Beijing has also seen a significant increase in foreign arrivals, with nearly 143,000 visitors as of Saturday, a 46% year-on-year jump. Tourism, business, and visiting friends and relatives are the primary reasons for these visits.

Bookings for domestic flights with non-Chinese passport holders have increased by 70% compared to last year. South Korea, the US, Australia, Malaysia, and Canada are the top source countries.

Beijing, Chengdu, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Chongqing, Kunming, Xi'an, Hangzhou, and Haikou are the top 10 Chinese cities favored by foreign travelers.

Inbound tour orders for the Spring Festival holidays on Trip.com have surged by 203% year-on-year. Beijing remains a top pick, with a 185% increase in inbound arrivals. Popular attractions include Universal Studios Beijing, the Great Wall, the Palace Museum, and the Summer Palace.

Xi'an, Luoyang, and Suzhou are also witnessing a growing number of foreign visitors, with Xi'an welcoming over 3,100 inbound foreign visitors since the start of the Spring Festival travel rush.

Experts predict a rapid recovery in inbound tourism in 2025, with increased demand from North America, Japan, and Europe.