China Tourism Update — 14 June 2026
tourism • 14 June 2026
China’s latest tourism news is broadly positive for visitors: inbound travel is rising fast, and China is continuing to improve visa access, transport links and visitor services. According to **China Daily**, China welcomed more than **68 million international visitors in 2025**, up **15.5% year on year**, while international visitor spending climbed **10.5% to US$135 billion**.[1] For tourists, the most practical update is that China has **expanded visa-free policy measures** and improved arrival processes, including **biometric entry systems** and **digital payments**, alongside better air and high-speed rail connectivity.[1] Australia’s SmartTraveller still advises Australians entering China to complete an **electronic arrival card** before arrival or at the port of entry, and to exercise a **high degree of caution** when travelling.[3] For Australian travellers planning a trip now, the main takeaways are: - **Entry is getting easier** in many cases thanks to wider visa facilitation measures.[1] - **Digital payments and biometric processing** are increasingly part of the travel experience.[1] - **High-speed rail and air connectivity** continue to make multi-city itineraries more practical.[1] - **Electronic arrival cards** are required for entry, according to SmartTraveller.[3] If you want, I can turn this into a short **news article-style update for Australian travellers** or give you the **latest China visa and flight changes** in a separate brief.