China Tourism Update — 20 June 2026
tourism • 20 June 2026
China’s **inbound tourism** is continuing to expand, with visa-free access, better transport links and stronger international visitor spending all supporting the recovery, according to recent travel-industry reporting. The latest figures suggest China is positioning itself as one of the world’s biggest tourism markets, which is good news for travellers planning a trip now or later this year.[1] According to **SCMP**, the World Travel and Tourism Council said China’s travel sector was worth **US$1.8 trillion** last year and could reach **US$3.5 trillion by 2036**, while international visitor numbers rose to **more than 68 million** last year, up **15.5%** year on year.[1] The same report said spending by international visitors increased **10.5%** to **US$135 billion**, and highlighted expanded visa-free entry for **over 50 countries** as a key driver of inbound travel growth.[1] For tourists, the practical takeaway is that China is becoming easier to visit and easier to move around in, with a stronger mix of **visa-free entry options** and improved domestic connectivity.[1] If you are planning a trip, this trend points to better access to major cities and more opportunities to combine iconic destinations with rail-based itineraries.Sources
- https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3357302/high-speed-and-visa-free-how-china-cruising-become-worlds-top-tourism-market
- https://www.dw.com/en/domestic-tourism-is-booming-in-china-posing-new-challenges/video-77525303
- https://www.instagram.com/p/DZvNiSbF03j/
- https://www.facebook.com/nikkeiasia/posts/watch-readmore-than-six-months-after-beijing-issued-a-travel-warning-for-japan-c/1424464353050159/
- https://www.facebook.com/globaltimesnews/posts/a-recent-promotional-video-by-chinese-travel-platform-tripcom-group-featuring-gl/1553718876800314/