China Policy Update — 1 August 2026

policy • 1 August 2026

According to China Travel News and industry development updates, China’s tourism infrastructure is still expanding through **new hotel openings** and a strong **hotel pipeline**, with the clearest momentum in gateway cities and leisure destinations.[1] For Australian travellers, that means more choice in internationally branded accommodation across major hubs and second-tier destinations, which can make multi-city itineraries easier to plan.[1] One notable development is **Holiday Inn’s signing of 24 new hotels in Greater China**, adding to a portfolio that already includes **168 open hotels** and **106 pipeline properties**.[1] The broader sector also remains active: one industry overview cited **3,602 hotel projects and 640,328 rooms** in the pipeline at the end of Q1 2026, suggesting continued investment in tourism-ready accommodation rather than a short-lived rebound.[1] Recent openings and upcoming launches mentioned in the results include the **Radisson Collection Hotel, Hi-Tech Zone Chengdu**, which has opened in Southwest China, and new or forthcoming Marriott and IHG properties in destinations such as **Hangzhou, Guilin, Shenzhen, Shanghai, Quanzhou and Jingdezhen**.[1][17] If you’re planning a trip, these openings are especially relevant for travellers looking for newer upscale hotels near city centres or leisure attractions.[1][17]

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