China Tourism Update — 20 October 2026
tourism • 20 October 2026
China is seeing strong growth in international travel, with **Australian visitors among its top 10 inbound markets**, according to figures released on 20 October. The National Immigration Administration recorded **192 million cross-border trips in the third quarter of 2026**, up 7.9% year on year, while foreign nationals made **23.27 million crossings**, an increase of 15.6%.[1][3] Visa-free travel continues to drive arrivals. Foreign visitors made **8.99 million visa-free entries** during the quarter—77.5% of all foreign-national entries and 24.1% more than a year earlier.[1] China now offers unilateral visa-free entry to travellers from **50 countries**, generally allowing stays of up to 30 days, while the 240-hour visa-free transit scheme covers eligible travellers from **57 countries**.[1] Australian travellers should check their individual eligibility and permitted stay before booking, as visa and transit rules depend on passport, itinerary and entry point. The latest tourism data also points to more opportunities beyond Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. A report presented in Hubei said China received **22.914 million foreign visits in the first half of 2026**, up 20.4% year on year, with inbound travel spreading into smaller cities and counties.[2] For Australians planning a return visit, destinations such as Hubei’s Wudang Mountain and other regional centres may offer a quieter alternative to China’s best-known attractions, with improved access as international tourism expands.Sources
- https://english.news.cn/20261020/8294061adf0441218465360dbf2f4102/c.html
- https://www.ecns.cn/cns-wire/2026-10-19/detail-ihfmcrte5293416.shtml
- https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202610/1372605.shtml
- https://chinapie.ai/blog/visa-free-inbound-experience-spending-2026/
- https://hrf.org/latest/china-casts-a-wide-net-for-travelers-with-new-exit-and-entry-regulations/