China’s tourism sector is flexing its global appeal, with a record 150 million inbound trips recorded in 2025—a 17% jump from the previous year. Culture and Tourism Minister Sun Yeli revealed the milestone at a press conference, highlighting a 40% surge in foreign tourist spending and over 30 million visa-free entries. 🌐✨
Visa-Free Travel & Mobile Payments Fuel Growth
China’s expanded visa-free policy, now covering 50 countries, has made spontaneous trips easier than ever. 'A spontaneous trip to China has become very realistic,' Sun said. Foreign visitors also embraced mobile payments, with transactions hitting 80 billion yuan ($11 billion) in 2025. 💳📱
Domestic Tourism Shatters Records
While international arrivals soared, domestic travel hit new highs too: 6.5 billion trips in 2025 and a jaw-dropping 596 million trips during the 2026 Spring Festival holiday. Spending during the holiday alone topped 800 billion yuan ($110.47 billion), proving wanderlust is alive and well. 🧨🏮
Culture Meets Adventure
Sun emphasized the rise of the 'experience economy,' blending tourism with culture and sports. Think immersive performances at historical sites or marathon routes through ancient cities—China’s next-gen travel trend is all about storytelling. 🎭🏃♂️
With smoother payment systems and visa perks, 2026 is set to be another landmark year for China’s tourism revival. Ready to pack your bags? 🎒✈️
