As the 2026 approach, China is poised to boost its tourism industry significantly. New visa policies, exciting tourism activities, and expanded international routes are efforts aimed at promoting both. Inbound and outbound tourism creates more opportunities for travelers from all over the world to visit China and Chinese tourists to explore the world. The new policy focuses on …… With visa-free travel, tourism activities and improved international connectivity, China’s tourism industry is gearing up for an exciting year ahead.
1. Extend China’s visa-free entry policy
One of the most significant developments in 2026 is the extension of China’s visa-free entry policy, which allows citizens from 45 countries to enter China without a visa for up to 30 days, effective from now until December 31, 2026. This visa-free policy is a significant step towards achieving this goal. China is more accessible to tourists, business travelers, and people visiting relatives and friends. It will also simplify travel. Businessmen can now more conveniently visit major Chinese cities for short trips without worrying about complex visa requirements.
Countries eligible for this visa waiver policy include major countries. European countries, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Malaysia, as well as several other Latin American and GCC countries. This initiative is expected to boost inbound tourism, as travelers from these countries can easily access China’s diverse tourism offerings, ranging from historical landmarks to modern cities and natural beauty. In addition, this policy is likely to help …… China’s tourism industry recovered post-pandemic and boosted its global market share.
2. Expand the 240-hour transit visa-free policy
In addition to extending the visa-free entry policy, China will continue to implement its 240-hour transit visa-free policy, which allows travelers from eligible countries to transit through the border. China takes up to 10 days without a visa. Travelers can visit cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou on their way to other international destinations.
This visa-free transit method is ideal for travelers with longer layovers or those who want to explore the surrounding area. China during their trip. By expanding this policy, China is encouraging transit tourism, especially with global travel growth in 2026. This move also highlights the importance of China’s role as a global aviation hub, and major airports as important transit points for international travelers.
3. Tourism development and five-year strategic plan
As part of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), the government has set ambitious goals for tourism development, which emphasizes high-quality tourism services, improved tourism infrastructure, and enhanced global connectivity with the goal of …… China is a major destination for international travelers while improving the travel experience for domestic tourists.
Key initiatives include the development of international tourism clusters, visa facilitation, and the promotion of China’s diverse tourism offerings, which include promoting ecotourism, cultural tourism, and high-tech tourism experiences. By focusing on quality tourism and enhanced services, China aims to remain a leading global destination for travelers from around the world.
4. China’s outbound tourism market grew strongly
In addition to strengthening its inbound tourism industry, China’s outbound tourism market is poised to see significant growth in 2026. The country’s tourism department predicts that Chinese tourists will make between 16.5 billion and 17.5 billion outbound trips in 2026, a significant increase from previous years. The growth of China’s middle-class disposable income, as well as the ease of access to international destinations are factors contributing to this surge.
Outbound tourism in China is expected to drive the …… The demand for international travel to Asia, Europe, and the Americas, as well as regional markets like Southeast Asia and Africa, this boom in outbound tourism in China will open up new opportunities for countries seeking to attract talent. Chinese tourists are particularly dependent on the tourism market.
Conclusion: A new era for China’s tourism industry in 2026
China’s tourism industry is entering a new era in 2026 with …… The introduction of new visa policies, the Chinese outbound and inbound tourism market, and a clear strategic focus on high-quality tourism, these initiatives will enhance China’s influence in the global tourism industry, promote more accessible travel options for both inbound and outbound tourists, and create new business opportunities for international tourism.
With these technological advancements, China is expected to establish closer ties with the global tourism industry, welcoming international visitors and providing Chinese tourists with more opportunities to explore the world. The exciting development of 2026 is just the beginning of a larger strategic positioning. China as a global leader in tourism.
