(Beijing, 20th) With China further strengthening policy support, relaxing entry conditions, and improving the overall tourist experience to attract more international visitors, China's inbound tourism continues to grow.
Official data shows that in 2024, the number of inbound tourists to China increased by 60.8% year-on-year, reaching 132 million, approximately 97.2% of the 2019 figure. These tourists' total spending in China reached 94.2 billion USD, an increase of 77.8% from the previous year.
Xinhua News Agency launched the 17th edition of the "China Economic Roundtable" large-scale multi-media interview program yesterday, where guests mentioned that more and more foreign tourists are choosing destinations beyond major Chinese cities because they are attracted by unique cultural experiences or opportunities to purchase Chinese characteristic products like digital products and collectibles.
Shi Zeyi, deputy director of the Bureau of International Exchange and Cooperation of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China, pointed out in the program that this momentum will continue into 2025, with the number of inbound tourists increasing by 19.6% year-on-year in the first quarter.
He said that China will further improve the visa process, payment systems, travel logistics, and accommodation options for foreign tourists, while providing customized travel packages for different groups such as backpackers, business travelers, and senior tourists.
He also said that in order to promote inbound consumption, China will open more duty-free shops and expand the range of goods eligible for immediate tax refunds, particularly including high-tech products such as smartphones, smartwatches, and drones.
"China is welcoming global tourists with a more open stance, richer experiences, and smarter services."
Qin Jing, Vice President of China's online travel service giant Trip.com Group, said that foreign tourists are stepping out of major metropolises like Beijing and Shanghai to explore destinations such as Chengdu, Hangzhou, and Xi'an.
She noted that during this year's 5-day May Day Labor Day holiday, the company's inbound tour orders more than doubled compared to the same period last year.
"During the May Day holiday, we saw foreign tourists learning tea brewing in Wuyi Mountain and watching face-changing performances in Chengdu."
She also said that data from the online service travel company Trip.com shows a significant increase in orders from young foreign tourists, who were previously predominantly aged between 50 and 60.
The rise of the "China Tour" trend is built on the recent expansion of mutual visa-free and unilateral visa-free policies, as well as the extension of visa-free entry stays and other measures.
Currently, China has established comprehensive mutual visa-free systems with 29 countries, implemented unilateral visa-free policies with 38 countries, and transit visa-free policies with 54 countries, coupled with a series of measures to stimulate inbound consumption.
Besides changing the departure tax refund to a shopping immediate refund model, more policy support has been launched, gradually lowering the minimum consumption threshold for tax refunds, increasing the cash refund limit, and expanding the range of refundable goods.
Liu Jia, deputy director of the Foreigners Management Division of the China Immigration Administration, said in the program that these policies reflect China's determination to open up, will have a far-reaching impact, enhance China's understanding with the international community, and change stereotypes.
"An open, inclusive, prosperous, and safe China is being seen, felt, and recognized by the world."
Tong Xuejun, Deputy Director of the Department of Consular Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that China will negotiate more visa-free and visa facilitation agreements and strive to improve the online visa application system for foreign tourists.
Last week, China announced that from June 1, citizens of five countries, including Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay, will enjoy visa-free entry policies, with a trial period until May 31, 2026.
Official data shows that in 2024, the number of inbound tourists to China increased by 60.8% year-on-year, reaching 132 million, approximately 97.2% of the 2019 figure. These tourists' total spending in China reached 94.2 billion USD, an increase of 77.8% from the previous year.
Xinhua News Agency launched the 17th edition of the "China Economic Roundtable" large-scale multi-media interview program yesterday, where guests mentioned that more and more foreign tourists are choosing destinations beyond major Chinese cities because they are attracted by unique cultural experiences or opportunities to purchase Chinese characteristic products like digital products and collectibles.
Shi Zeyi, deputy director of the Bureau of International Exchange and Cooperation of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of China, pointed out in the program that this momentum will continue into 2025, with the number of inbound tourists increasing by 19.6% year-on-year in the first quarter.
He said that China will further improve the visa process, payment systems, travel logistics, and accommodation options for foreign tourists, while providing customized travel packages for different groups such as backpackers, business travelers, and senior tourists.
He also said that in order to promote inbound consumption, China will open more duty-free shops and expand the range of goods eligible for immediate tax refunds, particularly including high-tech products such as smartphones, smartwatches, and drones.
"China is welcoming global tourists with a more open stance, richer experiences, and smarter services."
Qin Jing, Vice President of China's online travel service giant Trip.com Group, said that foreign tourists are stepping out of major metropolises like Beijing and Shanghai to explore destinations such as Chengdu, Hangzhou, and Xi'an.
She noted that during this year's 5-day May Day Labor Day holiday, the company's inbound tour orders more than doubled compared to the same period last year.
"During the May Day holiday, we saw foreign tourists learning tea brewing in Wuyi Mountain and watching face-changing performances in Chengdu."
She also said that data from the online service travel company Trip.com shows a significant increase in orders from young foreign tourists, who were previously predominantly aged between 50 and 60.
The rise of the "China Tour" trend is built on the recent expansion of mutual visa-free and unilateral visa-free policies, as well as the extension of visa-free entry stays and other measures.
Currently, China has established comprehensive mutual visa-free systems with 29 countries, implemented unilateral visa-free policies with 38 countries, and transit visa-free policies with 54 countries, coupled with a series of measures to stimulate inbound consumption.
Besides changing the departure tax refund to a shopping immediate refund model, more policy support has been launched, gradually lowering the minimum consumption threshold for tax refunds, increasing the cash refund limit, and expanding the range of refundable goods.
Liu Jia, deputy director of the Foreigners Management Division of the China Immigration Administration, said in the program that these policies reflect China's determination to open up, will have a far-reaching impact, enhance China's understanding with the international community, and change stereotypes.
"An open, inclusive, prosperous, and safe China is being seen, felt, and recognized by the world."
Tong Xuejun, Deputy Director of the Department of Consular Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that China will negotiate more visa-free and visa facilitation agreements and strive to improve the online visa application system for foreign tourists.
Last week, China announced that from June 1, citizens of five countries, including Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay, will enjoy visa-free entry policies, with a trial period until May 31, 2026.