China Tourism Update — 16 June 2026
tourism • 16 June 2026
China’s tourism sector is showing strong momentum for visitors, with **inbound travel and spending both rising sharply**. 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 Australian travellers, the most practical update is that China has **expanded visa-free access** and continued improving arrival services, including **biometric entry systems** and **digital payments**, alongside better air and rail connectivity.[1] *Smartraveller* also says travellers to China must complete an **electronic arrival card**, which can be done before arrival or at the point of entry.[8] A separate travel development is the growing use of **special tourist train services**: China has launched an initiative to deploy **over 160 special tourist train units by 2030**, which should expand rail-based holiday options for domestic and inbound visitors.[6] If you’re planning a trip, these trends point to easier entry, more transport choices, and a wider range of travel experiences across China.[1][6][8]Sources
- https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202606/13/WS6a2cc7c3a310986e2b45fc04.html
- https://www.dw.com/en/domestic-tourism-is-booming-in-china-posing-new-challenges/video-77525303
- https://www.dw.com/en/china-travel-boom-between-growth-control-and-crisis/video-77525303
- https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/category/china-travel-news/
- https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2026/06/11/2003858903