Visa changes, new attractions, and on-the-ground updates, so you travel smarter.
Official data: 77.7% of foreign visitors in H1 2026 entered under visa-free policies, fueling a record summer travel season across the country.
Policy
22.9 million foreign visitors entered China in the first half of 2026; 17.8 million of them used visa-free entry. Source →
Trending
Foreign visitors are now exploring shopping hubs, border cities and inland destinations, not just Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. Source →
Economy
Up 10.5% year-on-year, more than triple the global average growth rate of 3.2%, as inbound tourism powers China's travel economy. Source →
Outlook
The World Travel & Tourism Council projects China's travel industry to expand 5.3% this year, on track toward 190 million inbound visits. Source →
Events
47 performances, 7 art camps and 8 lectures across the capital, one more reason to plan a summer visit beyond the Great Wall and hutongs. Source →
Policy
China extended its unilateral visa-free entry policy for 45 countries, covering tourism and business visits. Source →
For your trip: Check if your passport qualifies, Visa guide →
Policy
More entry points now offer the 10-day visa-free transit, ideal for multi-city itineraries. Source →
For your trip: See if your route qualifies, Visa guide →
Data
Visa-free entries made up 77.9% of all inbound foreign trips in Q1. Source →
For your trip: Know the real costs before you go, Cost report →
Chongqing
Chongqing stood out during the Spring Festival travel rush alongside Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu and Harbin. Source →
For your trip: Plan Chongqing right, Chongqing guide →
Transport
The Xi'an–Yan'an line opened in December, first high-speed rail for northern Shaanxi. Source →
For your trip: City-to-city transport made simple, Travel guides →
Transport
The new section strengthens rail links across Anhui and beyond. Source →
For your trip: We route your rail legs for you, Get a custom plan →
Season
The world-famous ice festival returns around Christmas 2026 through late February. Source →
For your trip: When to go for winter magic, Best time to visit →
Events
A month of music, food and beer in China's northern capital. Source →
For your trip: Summer festival timing, Plan your dates →
Award
China's most famous winter attraction keeps collecting global attention. Source →
For your trip: Winter trips planned locally, Get a plan →
Cruise
Fresh ships including Vista Aurora and Victoria Isabella upgrade the classic Three Gorges route. Source →
For your trip: Cruise + Chongqing combo, Chongqing guide →
Culture
A national cultural tourism campaign kicks off in the capital, new reason to explore beyond the classics. Source →
For your trip: Start with Beijing, Beijing guide →
Transport
The national grid keeps expanding, most major cities are now connected by 250-350 km/h rail. Source →
For your trip: We map the fastest rail routes, Custom plan →
Shanghai
At Shanghai Hongqiao station, international visitors increasingly choose bullet trains for city hopping. Source →
For your trip: Rail-based itineraries, Shanghai guide →
Data
China recovered over 90% of its 2019 inbound level, far ahead of the global recovery pace. Source →
For your trip: Budget with real data, Cost report →
Payments
Payment convenience keeps improving, international credit cards and Alipay work at more shops, restaurants and hotels. Source →
For your trip: Set up payments before you land, Apps guide →
Payments
No Chinese bank account needed, link your international card and pay like a local. Source →
For your trip: Step-by-step setup, Apps guide →
Policy
Swedish passport holders can enter visa-free from Nov 10, 2025 to Dec 31, 2026. Source →
For your trip: Check your country, Visa guide →
Events
Daily free activities from 10am-9pm, soccer, tennis, dryland curling, outdoor cinema and themed markets. Source →
For your trip: Free stuff to do in Shanghai, Shanghai guide →
Culture
Part of Shanghai Summer, a blockbuster exhibition of pre-Columbian art and artifacts. Source →
For your trip: Museums & more, Shanghai guide →
Trending
Record cross-border trips and a cultural tourism boom, the momentum is real. Source →
For your trip: Join the wave with a plan, Get a custom plan →
All this news is good news, but a trip still needs a plan. Custom itineraries from $9.90, delivered in 3 business days.
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