China Policy Update — 5 April 2026
policy • 6 April 2026
Beijing is gearing up for the **Universal Tourism Exhibition 2026** at the China National Convention Center, a major trade platform connecting China with over 110 countries, including Australia, to boost air connectivity, hotel partnerships, and marketing for outbound and inbound travel[1]. New phases of convention complexes will come online in 2026, featuring upgraded halls, meeting rooms, and digital services for tens of thousands of visitors, making it easier for Australian travellers to plan immersive trips[1]. China Travel International is reinvesting in key attractions with a HK$1.2 billion fund for upgrades like augmented-reality tours and culinary events at sites such as Hong Kong's Ngong Ping 360 cable car and Shenzhen's Window of the World[2]. Winter tourism expands with a 35% capacity increase at Jilin Songhua Lake for the 2026/27 ski season, plus bundled Greater Bay Area passes pairing Hong Kong hotels with mainland ski packages—ideal for Aussies seeking year-round adventures[2]. Supporting this, China continues easing visa-free transit and entry procedures, alongside inbound growth of 26.4% in foreign visitors by end-2025, promising smoother access and enhanced digital tools for international guests in 2026[1][4][5]. Australian travellers can look forward to these infrastructure boosts for seamless, exciting explorations across China's dynamic destinations.Sources
- https://www.thetraveler.org/universal-tourism-expo-beijing-2026-puts-china-outbound-in-focus/
- https://www.visahq.com/news/2026-04-01/hk/china-travel-international-to-spin-off-property-arm-doubling-down-on-hong-kong-tourism-assets/
- https://www.thetraveler.org/japan-china-us-and-australia-unite-on-2030-overtourism-pact/
- https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/chinas-bold-move-to-revamp-tourism-digital-barriers-visa-free-access-and-the-future-of-global-travel-in-2026/
- https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/china-sees-26-rise-in-foreign-tourists-as-geopolitical-tensions-push-travelers-from-the-middle-east-air-china-and-china-eastern-lead-flight-surge/