China Tourism Update — 17 April 2026

tourism • 17 April 2026

**China's inbound tourism surges with 154.5 million visitors in 2025, up 17.1% year-on-year, positioning the country to potentially become the world's top tourism economy by 2030.** According to the Global Times, this growth outpaced the global average at 9.9% compared to 4.1%, driven by visa-free entries for 30.08 million foreign visitors—a 49.5% increase—and total spending reaching $131.1 billion, up 39.2%.[1] Cultural heritage sites drew strong interest from long-haul travellers from Europe and the US during recent holidays, while tech integration and diverse offerings like "China maxxing" trends boost appeal for Australian visitors exploring landmarks and hidden gems.[1] Experts highlight optimised entry policies and enriched cultural experiences as key draws, with Haikou Meilan International Airport exemplifying smooth customs for inbound flights.[1] Platforms like Trip.com report rising bookings for innovative products, making it an ideal time for Australians to plan trips blending profound heritage and modern conveniences.[1] China Travel News also notes evolving tech tools, such as Meituan's AI-powered gateway, enhancing seamless bookings and daily travel actions for global visitors.[2]

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