China Tourism Update — 30 September 2026

tourism • 30 September 2026

China’s latest travel developments are all about **easier entry, faster payments and richer visitor experiences** for international tourists. According to **Xinhua**, foreign nationals made nearly **61.29 million border crossings** in the January–August period, up **19.5%** year on year, while **visa-free entries** reached **23.72 million** and accounted for **77.6%** of inbound foreign visitors.[7] According to **China’s State Council news site**, the country is now building on its inbound tourism boom with a stronger focus on practical traveller services over the next five years, including more convenient **visas, payments, tax refunds, guided tours, accommodation and transport**.[1] The same plan aims for **190 million inbound tourist visits a year by 2030**, with annual inbound spending to exceed **US$150 billion**.[1] For tourists, one of the most useful recent updates is the launch of **TenPayGo** by Tencent, which **Xinhua** says is designed for overseas visitors and adds another option for easier payments in China.[7] **China Daily** also reports that authorities are continuing to improve travel convenience and introduce more products that combine **traditional culture with modern experiences**, which means visitors should see more streamlined trip planning and better on-the-ground services.[5]

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