China Policy Update — 28 September 2026

policy • 28 September 2026

China’s tourism infrastructure is expanding through **new hotel openings, stronger transport links and county-level destination upgrades**, with Mainland China remaining the largest source of future hotel supply in the Asia-Pacific market.[1][7] For Australian travellers, the most useful takeaway is that more regional and secondary-city stays are becoming available, while access to those destinations is also improving.[7][8] According to **China Daily**, Accor is expanding its mainland China portfolio with Sunmei Hotels Group, and the two partners expect their four brands to have **more than 70 hotels** operating on the Chinese mainland by the end of this year.[2] In a separate report, China’s tourism authorities said the **15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030)** will improve inbound visitor services, including visas, payments, tax refunds, guided tours, accommodation and transport, which should make hotel stays and multi-city trips smoother for international visitors.[8] Infrastructure outside the major hubs is also strengthening. **Xinhua** reported that by the end of 2025, high-speed rail covered **97% of Chinese cities with populations above 500,000**, and **97% of county-level regions** had A-rated scenic areas during the 14th Five-Year Plan period, helping open up more places for short breaks and resort-style travel.[7] **China Daily** also said the new cultural and tourism plan includes marine tourism products such as coastal sightseeing, island tourism, and cruise and yacht travel, pointing to more specialised destinations and accommodation options in the years ahead.[9]

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