China Tourism Update — 27 July 2026
tourism • 27 July 2026
China’s latest tourist-facing updates are broadly positive: **visa-free entry remains expanded**, **departure tax refund rules have been improved**, and **new transport links and tourism products** are making multi-city trips easier.[4][7][11] According to China’s State Council information office, China is refining its **visa-free transit and entry programmes** and digitising more border and immigration services, while still offering unilateral visa-free entry to nationals of **50 countries** and a **240-hour visa-free transit** option via **65 designated ports**.[4] Xinhua reports that inbound tourism continues to grow strongly, with **22.91 million foreign arrivals in the first half of 2026**, up **20.4%** year on year, and **17.82 million** of those arrivals entered visa-free.[11] For practical trip planning, China Daily reports that the **departure tax refund service** has been upgraded so overseas visitors can receive **instant refunds across more regions** and have **up to 28 days** to leave the country after purchase, which makes **multi-city shopping trips** more flexible.[7] ECNS also reported new tourism transport options, including the first **China–Central Asia cultural tourism train** from **Xi’an to Almaty** carrying **260 passengers** on a **16-day, 15-night** Silk Road journey, plus continued summer travel demand across China’s rail network.[3]