Shanghai and Beijing Lead China’s Growth in International Visitors and Tourism Recovery
China’s travel and tourism sector is experiencing strong growth in 2025. More than 68 million visitors came to the country last year. This figure marks a sharp increase compared with earlier years and outpaces global rates of growth in international tourists by about three times.
Shanghai and Beijing stand out as top destinations, attracting many travelers thanks to their rich history and urban appeal. Other cities such as Guangzhou and Shenzhen also draw tourists for their cultural significance. Meanwhile, places like Xi’an, Hangzhou, and Chengdu attract visitors with their heritage sites and cultural offerings.
Tourists are spending more during their trips. Visitor expenditure rose by over 10% compared to the previous year, reaching more than $135 billion. People enjoy a range of experiences, from luxury tourism in major cities to heritage tours in Xi’an, and recreational visits to scenic spots like Guilin and Zhangjiajie. Improved transportation and connections encourage many visitors to explore multiple cities in one trip.
Government policies and infrastructure upgrades have supported this growth. Visa rules now allow travelers from over 50 countries to stay visa-free for up to 30 days, or to enjoy longer transit stays. This change makes places like Beijing, Chengdu, and Sanya more accessible. More tourists arrive from these visa-exempt countries than before.
Technology plays a key role too. Airports, train stations, and city centers use biometric checks, mobile payments, and digital services that speed up and simplify travel. These improvements help places like Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Guangzhou attract and serve visitors better, encouraging longer stays and varied travel plans.
Travel within China benefits from better air links and faster rail lines. High-speed trains cut travel time between major hubs and smaller cities. For example, routes between Beijing and Xi’an, Hangzhou and Shanghai, and Chengdu and Chongqing now make cultural and scenic attractions easier to reach. This connectivity promotes tourism beyond main cities, supporting local economies in many regions.
New tourism zones also draw visitors. Guilin and Zhangjiajie have gained from new parks and enhanced tours, while Hainan Island and Sanya developed their beach resorts and attractions. These improvements help meet increasing demand and promote sustainable tourism throughout China.
Outlook for China’s tourism remains positive. The World Travel & Tourism Council predicts steady growth for both inbound and domestic travel, boosted by government policies, better infrastructure, and wider offerings. Tourism supports jobs too. In 2025, the sector supported over 84 million jobs. This number is expected to pass 100 million by 2036. Cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou will remain major centers for tourism jobs, while other regions will see growing employment tied to travel and hospitality.
China’s growing middle class also drives outbound travel. Chinese tourists are expected to spend more on trips abroad, visiting popular destinations like Bangkok, Tokyo, Paris, London, and New York City. This trend benefits global tourism markets and strengthens China’s role in international travel.
Domestic tourism benefits local economies and preserves culture in many provinces. Yunnan, Guangxi, and Sichuan, for example, have seen more visitors thanks to their natural and cultural attractions. City destinations continue to attract most tourists, with Beijing’s historic sites, Shanghai’s urban experiences, and Xi’an’s heritage drawing many visitors. Emerging places such as Chongqing, Hangzhou, and Qingdao grow in popularity due to new infrastructure and improved connections. Coastal resorts in Sanya and Hainan Island attract those seeking beaches and relaxation.
The growth focuses on sustainability. China balances tourism development with environmental and cultural care. Upgrades in infrastructure and technology improve experiences but also protect resources. This approach helps tourism grow in quality and last longer.
China’s tourism sector shows strong growth thanks to policy, infrastructure, and diverse attractions. Cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Guilin, and Sanya lead this growth. Their appeal, combined with travel improvements, points to a promising future for tourism in China.
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