China Tourism Update — 6 August 2026

tourism • 6 August 2026

China’s latest travel news for tourists is positive overall: **Shanghai is seeing a strong surge in foreign visitors**, China’s **visa-free and transit policies continue to drive inbound travel**, and more **international air links** are being added across major cities.[7][4] According to **CGTN**, Shanghai recorded **467,000 inbound foreign visitors in July**, up **19.4% year on year**, with **296,000** using visa-free entry or the **240-hour visa-free transit** policy.[7] That follows a broader trend highlighted by CGTN on 3 August: China had expanded unilateral visa-free entry to **50 countries**, mutual visa exemptions to **29 countries**, and the **240-hour transit policy** to travellers from **55 countries**, while **160 cities** had direct international flight routes.[4] For Australian travellers, the practical takeaway is that China is becoming easier to visit for short stays and multi-city trips, especially via major gateways such as Shanghai.[4][7] A separate China Daily report notes that new exit-entry rules will take effect on **15 September 2026** and are aimed at standardising travel management, so it remains sensible to check the latest entry requirements before booking.[3]

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