China Tourism Update — 29 August 2026

tourism • 29 August 2026

China’s latest travel news for tourists is dominated by **expanded visa-free access**, **strong inbound tourism growth**, and **new entry-and-exit rules taking effect from 15 September 2026**. For Australian travellers, the most useful practical update is that China has broadened its **240-hour visa-free transit policy to 57 countries** after adding Kyrgyzstan and Vietnam on 20 August, while Hainan’s separate **30-day visa-free entry** also now covers those two nationalities.[4][5] According to Xinhua, the 240-hour transit policy expansion is aimed at making short stays easier for international visitors, and it now applies across **65 ports** in **24 provincial-level regions**.[4] That means tourists planning a stopover or multi-city trip can potentially enter China without a traditional visa, provided they meet the transit conditions and hold onward tickets to a third country or region.[4][9] A second key update is the new State Council entry-and-exit regulation, which takes effect on **15 September 2026** and gives immigration officials broader powers to request supporting documents, electronic data, and identity verification materials.[1][7] In practical terms, travellers should make sure their visa category matches their real purpose of travel and keep booking confirmations, itinerary details, and other supporting documents ready, as false or inconsistent information can lead to refusal of entry or exit.[1][7][11] China’s inbound tourism continues to strengthen as well: CGTN reports that **Beijing’s ports handled more than 15 million cross-border passenger trips this year so far**, reflecting steady recovery in international travel demand.[6] Xinhua also reported that China’s inbound summer travel surge is being driven by niche and regional destinations, which is useful for Australians looking beyond the usual Beijing–Shanghai–Xi’an circuit.[4]

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