China Policy Update — 8 August 2026

policy • 8 August 2026

China’s tourism infrastructure is expanding quickly, with **new hotels opening across major cities and leisure destinations** and a large development pipeline pointing to even more choice for travellers. According to Hospitality Net, China had already seen **500 new hotels open in the first half of 2026**, and the full-year forecast points to **1,131 new hotel openings** by year-end, reflecting strong momentum in both business and leisure markets.[1] For Australian travellers, the most useful takeaway is that more international-brand and lifestyle accommodation is coming online in key destinations such as **Shanghai, Hangzhou, Chengdu, Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Nanjing**. Travel industry reporting highlighted recent and upcoming openings including **JEN Hangzhou by Shangri-La**, **Banyan Tree Mount Emei**, and additional Marriott properties in cities such as Shanghai, Xi’an, Hangzhou and Xiamen, giving visitors a wider range of options from city stays to resort escapes.[8][11][7][6] According to Hospitality Net’s pipeline data, China’s hotel sector ended Q2 2026 with **3,588 projects and 632,256 rooms** in development, which suggests the next 12–24 months will keep adding supply in both premium and mid-scale segments.[3] For travellers, this usually means more availability, broader brand choice and newer properties in well-connected locations, especially around transport hubs and popular sightseeing districts.[1][3]

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