New Tourism Services Across China Make Exploration Easier for Australian Travellers

tourism • 9 May 2026

### New Tourism Services Across China Make Exploration Easier for Australian Travellers China's major destinations are enhancing visitor experiences with practical upgrades tailored for international tourists. In Beijing, the Summer Palace now offers English-language surveys for feedback, while the Temple of Heaven has installed dozens of AI translation devices to assist navigation and provide real-time information. Chengdu has rolled out citywide bilingual volunteer programs, delivering on-the-ground language support and guidance. Meanwhile, Changsha boasts over 4,000 businesses accepting international bank cards, alongside widespread currency exchange points in key shopping areas. According to Xinhua (news.cn, May 6, 2026), these initiatives are already boosting inbound tourism, with agencies in border cities like Dongxing welcoming over 60 Vietnamese tour groups daily and anticipating further growth ahead of summer. Australian travellers stand to benefit from smoother visits, especially when using tools like the "China Immigration" app for pre-arrival declarations at the 54 air, sea, and land ports equipped with e-passport gates. China Daily reports (May 7, 2026) that these services contributed to a seamless May Day holiday, where foreign entries reached 1.26 million—a 12.5% rise from 2025—with smooth processing despite high volumes. Emerging provincial hotspots like Heilongjiang, Guizhou, Hunan, Xinjiang, and Shanxi saw inbound traffic surge over 60%, offering fresh itineraries beyond major cities. Plan ahead by checking local notices for hotel registration, and dive into rising interest-based activities like diving, skiing, or museum tours, with Trip.com bookings up 78% year-on-year.

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