In 2025, China’s tourism industry is poised for extraordinary growth, thanks to the country’s strategically expanded visa-free policy, making it easier than ever for international tourists to obtain entry permits. These policies allow visa-free entry for citizens of 76 countries, while providing a flexible 10-day visa-free transit policy for citizens of another 55 countries, opening the door to a significant increase in foreign tourists. China’s rich cultural experiences further amplify this growth, enticing visitors not only to its iconic landmarks but also to experience authentic cultural events, propelling China’s rise as a preferred destination for both leisure and business travelers worldwide.
The visa-free policy will be expanded in 2025, and the number of foreign tourists in China will continue to surge
The number of foreign tourists in China’s tourism industry has increased significantly, and the strong growth momentum continues into the third quarter of 2025. This increase is mainly due to China’s significant expansion of visa-free tourism policies, which have made it easier for international tourists to travel to China.
In recent years, China has steadily expanded its visa-free entry policy for foreign tourists. At present, citizens of 76 countries enjoy unilateral or bilateral visa-free entry, and citizens of another 55 countries can enter China visa-free when transiting to a third country for a stay of up to 10 days. This significant policy shift has played a pivotal role in the growth of foreign visitor numbers, providing easier entry for visitors from major global markets.
The visa-free tourism policy promotes the growth of overseas tourism
China’s visa-free tourism initiatives have proven effective in promoting inbound tourism. The eight-day National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holidays in early October saw a significant increase in the number of foreign tourists, driven by the expansion of visa-free policies and improved travel facilitation. According to Ctrip (Trip.com), a leading online travel platform, countries such as South Korea, the United States, Russia, Japan, and Malaysia are among the top sources of overseas tourists.
The overlap between Chinese holidays and South Korea’s Mid-Autumn Festival holidays has played an important role in promoting tourism development between the two countries. During this period, South Korea’s bookings for travel to China increased by a staggering 200% as Koreans seized the opportunity to travel to China. The popular hashtag on Korean social media, “fly directly to China after work on Friday,” is a testament to the popularity of this mode of travel. The convenience of traveling to China during peak travel periods has undoubtedly increased China’s attractiveness as a holiday destination for Koreans and other international tourists.
The number of foreign tourists increases during important holidays
Data from China’s National Immigration Administration (NIA) highlights the impact of these changes. According to the data, the number of foreigners entering and leaving the country increased significantly by 21.6% during the holiday period, reaching 14,300. Among them, 751,000 foreigners entered the country, of which 535,000 foreigners enjoyed visa-free policies, up 19.8% and 46.8% year-on-year, respectively.
These figures show that not only is the number of foreign tourists steadily increasing, but the expansion of visa-free policies also contribute significantly to this growth. Visa-free travelers enjoy shorter stays, which makes it easier for tourists to arrange spontaneous trips to China, further enhancing China’s tourism data.
Mid-Autumn Festival cultural experience
The Mid-Autumn Festival coincides with the holiday season and brings a unique cultural experience to many international visitors to China. Visitors take the opportunity to experience local customs in depth, such as participating in mooncake-making workshops, making traditional lanterns, and enjoying moonlit strolls through the ancient neighborhoods in traditional costumes. This not only allows tourists to experience Chinese culture firsthand, but also enhances China’s attractiveness as a tourist destination, providing not only sightseeing experiences, but also authentic cultural experiences.
Today, more and more tourists are able to experience these activities, marking a shift in the global tourism industry’s perception of China. China is increasingly recognized not only for its modern cities and iconic landmarks, but also for its deep-rooted traditions and unique cultural experiences. This trend is likely to continue as more tourists take advantage of China’s visa-free policy to explore its rich history, art, and festivals.
Looking ahead: China’s tourism industry has a bright future
Looking ahead, China’s tourism industry is poised to continue its upward momentum. The continued expansion of visa-free travel policies is expected to further enhance China’s attractiveness as a tourist destination. As more countries benefit from these policies, the potential tourist base will continue to grow, and this growth momentum is likely to extend to more countries in the coming years.
Additionally, with the recovery of global tourism and the growth of global travel demand, China’s proactive visa policies and emphasis on cultural experiences provide an attractive travel experience for both leisure and business travelers. As the number of foreign tourists continues to grow, China is poised to continue to maintain its position as one of the top tourist destinations in the world.
In 2025, China’s tourism industry is set to thrive, thanks to the expansion of visa-free policies, which not only promote the growth of international tourists but also open doors to immersive cultural experiences. These strategic moves make China more attractive and convenient for global tourists.
All in all, China’s strategic expansion of visa-free policies, enhanced travel convenience, and a variety of cultural experiences have jointly contributed to the substantial growth of outbound travel. During the holiday season, thousands of international tourists, especially from neighboring countries like South Korea, marked a turning point in China’s tourism industry. As China continues to streamline its visa policies and offer unique cultural experiences, it is steadily becoming a more attractive destination for global tourists.
