China Tourism Update — 18 July 2026

tourism • 18 July 2026

Australian tourists planning trips to China in July 2026 can take advantage of the **extended visa-free program** until December 2026, allowing stays of up to **30 days without a visa**, alongside a surge in new travel infrastructure and flight options. **Key Infrastructure and Flight Updates** China Southern Airlines has launched a new round-trip service linking **Urumqi** (Xinjiang) with **Seoul via Yantai**, adding a convenient travel option for visitors exploring northwest China [1]. For rail travellers, **Yiwu Airport** in Zhejiang Province has introduced a **port visa service** for eligible foreign visitors with urgent entry needs, allowing visa applications after landing [1]. Additionally, China State Railway will pilot a system allowing passengers to request tickets **60 days in advance** for over 200 trains on the **Beijing–Shanghai** routes starting Monday, 20 July [1]. The **Xiong'an-Shangqiu high-speed railway** in the Zhengzhou section has also begun trial operations, signalling future connectivity improvements [1]. **Tourism Trends and Safety Context** Inbound tourism is booming, with **22.91 million foreign arrivals** recorded in the first half of 2026 (up 20.4% year-on-year), driven largely by visa-free access which accounted for **77.7%** of all foreign entries [1][6][7]. Travel trends show a strong shift toward **cultural tourism** and **rural experiences**, with popular new destinations including **Qinhuangdao**, **Yili**, and craft-focused cities like **Jingdezhen** and **Quanzhou** [3]. While the summer travel rush is in full swing with railways expecting **1.01 billion passenger trips**, Australian travellers should note that **strong flooding** has occurred in **Liaoning Province** (particularly Shenyang) and parts of **Jilin** and **Heilongjiang** since 13 July due to heavy rainfall, requiring caution in these northern regions [9]. The Australian government advises exercising a **high degree of caution** in China and reminds travellers to complete an **electronic arrival card** before or at entry [4].

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