China Tourism Update — 13 April 2026

tourism • 13 April 2026

**China's border authorities processed 185 million cross-border trips in Q1 2026, a 13.5% rise from last year, with foreign arrivals surging 30% thanks to expanded visa-free policies.** According to Xinhua, this includes streamlined customs in cities like Xiamen, where Australian tourist Kate praised the quick online entry process, calling China "open and welcoming". Hainan's visa-free access for citizens of 86 countries has boosted inbound tourism from nations like Russia, Malaysia, and Indonesia, with popular activities including high-speed rail journeys and traditional Chinese medicine experiences[5]. **Authorities warn of peak crowds around Labour Day (1–5 May), when daily volumes could reach 2.8 million passengers.** VisaHQ reports that travellers should complete online health declarations and carry printed itineraries for spot checks amid recent imported measles cases. New measures like refined transit visa-free options and improved tax refunds are enhancing spending, while better payments and foreign-language services make stays more enjoyable for visitors[2]. **China is emerging as a medical tourism hotspot, with Guangdong province seeing a 20% jump in foreign patients last year.** A CGTN report highlights pilot zones offering advanced treatments at lower costs, combining global techniques with local innovations to attract international visitors seeking high-quality care alongside cultural exploration[4].

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