China sees surges of foreign tourists, inbound consumption

China is experiencing surges in foreign tourist arrivals and inbound consumption, due to its continued easing of entry policies and increased facilitation for tourism services, including payment, accommodation, and transportation.

As of now, China's 240-hour visa-free transit policy applies to 55 countries, while nationals from 47 countries are eligible for unilateral visa-free entry.

The latest data from Shanghai Customs showed that in the first seven months of this year, Shanghai's airports handled 148,000 inbound and outbound flights, involving a total of 23.597 million passengers, up 13.4 percent and 20.1 percent respectively year on year.

By July 30, Beijing's ports of entry had handled 3.285 million inbound and outbound foreign travelers this year, up nearly 37.7 percent year on year.

Tax data further underscored China's increasing attractiveness to global tourists. By the end of June, the number of tax refund stores catering to foreign visitors had surpassed 7,200, representing an increase of around 80 percent from the end of 2024.

In the first half of 2025, the number of tourists claiming tax refunds surged by 186 percent, while sales of tax-free goods and total refund amounts nearly doubled year on year.

This rise in inbound consumption is a result of China's latest efforts to encourage foreign tourists to spend. On April 27, the country introduced a package of measures to optimize its departure tax refund policy, including measures that lower the minimum purchase threshold for refunds, raise the cash refund ceiling, expand the network of participating stores, and broaden the range of products covered.

"China has seen beyond-expectation growth of inbound tourism due to policies on facilitations in aspects including visa and payment. The number of inbound tourists, particularly those from countries along the Belt and Road, has reached a record high. These tourists came to China not only to enjoy the scenery but also to go shopping. So inbound tourism is showing an obvious shift from 'traveling in China' to 'shopping in China'," said Dai Bin, head of China Tourism Academy.

Authorities in Dongping County of east China's Shandong Province launched their annual fish stocking program on Tuesday, aiming to release more than 18 million fry including silver carp, bighead carp and grass carp into Dongping Lake.

The stocking, which will run until April 18, is intended to boost fish populations, restore ecological balance and support sustainable fisheries, officials said.

Dongping has carried out the program for 22 consecutive years, releasing a total of 378 million fry, with local officials saying the effort has become a cornerstone of the lake's ecological management.