China Tourism Update — 15 July 2026
tourism • 15 July 2026
Australian travellers to China can expect a **record-breaking summer travel season** with significantly improved rail and air connectivity, while **visa-free policies** continue to make entry easier for foreign tourists. The national railway network is handling **1.01 billion passenger trips** during the 62-day summer rush from 1 July to 31 August, with South China’s Shenzhen station recording **2.44 million trips** in the first 10 days alone [1]. Meanwhile, **Beijing Daxing International Airport** has already surpassed **3 million inbound and outbound passenger trips**, reaching this milestone eight days earlier than last year [1]. For tourists, the most significant development is the **expansion of visa-free access**, with more than **17.81 million foreign travellers** entering China without a visa in the first half of 2026—accounting for **77.7% of all foreign arrivals** and rising **30.6% year-on-year** [3]. China currently grants unilateral visa-free entry to citizens of **50 countries** and offers **240-hour visa-free transit** to travellers from **55 countries**, including many key markets for Australian tourists [3]. Shanghai alone welcomed **over 2 million foreign travellers** under these policies in the first half of 2026, driven by the city’s integration of culture, commerce, and sports [1]. However, travellers should note **weather-related disruptions**: **Typhoon Bavi** is bringing heavy rainfall and flash flood risks to **Northeast China** (Liaoning, Jilin, and Heilongjiang provinces), prompting red alerts, class suspensions, and potential closures of coastal attractions [6][10]. Additionally, the **Australian Government advises exercising a high degree of caution** in China due to risks of arbitrary detention and exit bans, particularly for those involved in legal or national security matters [12]. Despite these considerations, China’s tourism infrastructure is rapidly expanding, with the country aiming to attract **190 million inbound tourist visits annually by 2030** [2].