China Tourism Update — 24 July 2026

tourism • 24 July 2026

China’s latest tourist-friendly updates point to **strong inbound demand**, **easier entry**, and **new experiences beyond the usual big-city route**. According to **Xinhua** and **CGTN**, foreign nationals made **22.91 million inbound trips** to China in the first half of 2026, up **20.4% year on year**, with **17.82 million visa-free entries** accounting for **77.7%** of foreign arrivals[6][7]. For Australian travellers, the most practical news is that China’s **30-day visa-free access** remains in place for eligible nationalities, while the country’s **240-hour visa-free transit** has been expanded to **65 entry ports**[7][10]. According to **China Travel News** and **Xinhua**, new travel options and trip ideas are also emerging, including the first **China–Central Asia cultural tourism train** from **Xi’an to Almaty** carrying **260 passengers** on a **16-day Silk Road journey**, plus growing interest in inland destinations and shopping-focused city breaks[2][13]. A few traveller-facing trends are worth noting. **Xinhua** says China is pushing to attract **190 million inbound tourist visits by 2030**, and that foreign visitors are increasingly exploring destinations beyond Beijing and Shanghai[7][8]. According to **CGTN**, this is being driven by easier visas, better convenience, and social-media-led interest in shopping, food, and local culture — useful for Australians planning a first trip or a repeat visit with a more regional focus[6].

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