Shanghai recorded a historical high of nearly 17 million inbound and outbound passenger trips in the first five months of the year, marking a remarkable 20 percent year on year growth, according to customs data on Monday.
During the period, Shanghai Customs oversaw a record 104,000 inbound and outbound aircraft, reflecting a 14.5 percent year-on-year growth.
The surge in cross-border travel is largely attributed to China's visa-free policies, which have made the country more accessible to international travelers.
"We love Shanghai, so I wear 'I love Shanghai' T-shirt," said a South Korean tourist .
"We are going to visit the Oriental Pearl Tower and the Bund. Also, I have some Chinese friends and I plan to meet them," said another tourist from South Korea.
China has been steadily adjusting and optimizing its visa policies to boost cross-border mobility. Since late 2023, the country has rolled out a series of traveler-friendly measures.
In late May of this year, it announced that citizens of four Gulf countries -- Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain -- will also enjoy visa-free entry for up to 30 days, from June 9, 2025, through June 8, 2026.
In addition, China on Sunday began implementing a trial policy that unilaterally grants visa-free entry to citizens of Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru and Uruguay. It is the first time that China has extended such access to nations in Latin America and the Caribbean.
The move is part of China's broader efforts to expand visa-free access in line with its commitment to high-level opening-up. With this expansion, China now offers unilateral visa-free entry to 43 countries.
Shanghai sees nearly 17 mln inbound, outbound air passenger trips during Jan-May period
