Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News
In recent years, China has implemented a number of measures, such as extending visa-free stays, expanding visa-free categories, and streamlining incoming services, which are contributing to increased contacts between China and other countries. Many foreign media outlets have noted the consistently high growth rates of China's tourism industry, believing that these measures are helping it secure a prominent place in the global tourism market.
A priority travel destination with high appeal and potential
During the New Year holidays, trips by foreign tourists to China to celebrate New Year 2026 became a popular travel trend. Data shows that the number of inbound air ticket bookings for foreign citizens increased significantly during the holidays.
In recent years, the popularity of "traveling around China" has continued to grow, attracting the attention of international media. "The growth of visa-free tourism is driving a significant influx of cross-border travelers to China," writes the American magazine Travel and Tour World. The article notes that in the first three quarters of 2025, 20.89 million foreign citizens entered China visa-free, more than 50% higher than the same period last year, while the volume of sales with VAT refunds on departure has roughly doubled. On international social media, "traveling to China with an empty suitcase" has become a new trend.
According to the article, the steady growth in visa-free travel underscores China's appeal as a tourist destination and demonstrates public interest in Chinese culture, cities, and majestic natural landscapes. Attractions such as the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and Emperor Qin Shi Huang's Terracotta Army remain highly popular, while new tourist attractions are also attracting travelers. Taken together, these factors make China one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Asia for international tourists.
Picturesque landscapes, a rich culture, a high level of safety, convenient transportation, a thriving economy, and friendly people—for a growing number of expats, China is becoming a top destination for living and traveling, with great appeal and potential. According to the BBC, a survey of more than 10,000 expats from 172 countries and regions found China to be a top destination for expats. The article notes that China has become one of the fastest-growing countries, rising from 19th place in 2024 to 6th place in the overall rankings for 2025, primarily due to high expat satisfaction and well-being scores.
"China plays a vital role in the global tourism economy," said Gloria Guevara, Director General of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), at the recent Global Tourism Economy Forum in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province. She noted that with the implementation of the visa-free entry policy, the inbound tourism market is entering a period of rapid growth: new tourist source markets are providing additional impetus, and China's attractiveness as a destination for business and leisure travel continues to strengthen.
"The real China is impressive"
Why has "traveling in China" become so popular abroad? The British website Tourism Review recently published an article highlighting five key factors. First, its unique culture. From historical and cultural landmarks like the Great Wall to regional celebrations, China possesses a deep cultural heritage that is hard to match elsewhere. Second, its impressive infrastructure. Tourists are often impressed by the high-speed rail links, nearly spotlessly clean streets, and cities with fully digital payment systems. Third, visa liberalization has opened the door to international tourists. China has introduced unilateral visa-free travel or complete reciprocal visa waivers for dozens of countries, and the list of countries eligible for visa-free transit continues to expand. Fourth, excellent value for money. In China, the combined cost of staying in first-class hotels, traveling on high-speed trains, and dining throughout the day is often quite affordable. Fifth, the high level of public safety and the hospitality of the Chinese people. The article emphasizes that "the real China is impressive."
"The visa-free policy has increased Russians' interest in traveling to China." The website of the Russian newspaper Kommersant reports that after China introduced a trial visa-free regime for Russian citizens with ordinary passports, Russians' interest in tourism in China has increased significantly. The visa-free regime has become a key mechanism that has quickly increased China's tourist appeal. Young tourists have responded most enthusiastically to the new measure. Interest in China as a tourist destination is expected to continue to grow in 2026.
In recent years, China has implemented a range of measures, from streamlining entry policies and VAT refund systems for foreign tourists to creating pilot cities with international consumer environments, allowing overseas visitors to have a better shopping experience.
"From cutting-edge fashion trends to smart technologies, shopping in China is evolving in unison with the global tourism boom." A recent article by the Brazilian news website Brasil 247 emphasized that these measures are contributing to the quality and modernization of the commercial, tourism, and cultural sectors, as well as enhancing the visibility and influence of Chinese cities on the international stage.
"Culture of technology" gives rise to new forms of tourism
In recent years, the integration of “culture and technology” has contributed to the emergence of new forms of tourism.
"Innovative technologies, unique culture, and impressive infrastructure projects in China are changing traditional ways of vacationing, offering tourists a fundamentally new experience." The Russian website Kam24 cites the following examples: in some well-known Chinese tourist destinations, visitors can use exoskeletons to help them navigate challenging mountain trails. Virtual reality (VR) technology is also impressive: at the shopping street near Sun Yat-sen's Mausoleum in the Zhongshan Scenic Area of Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, tourists can wear VR goggles and be transported back to the Ming Dynasty. In Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, the Tang Dynasty's "Raruga and Feather Robe" dance is brought to life using holography, and VR allows tourists to see the Terracotta Army up close.
The article notes that today, "tourism technology" is not only becoming a competitive advantage for China, but is also developing into a trend that sets new standards for the tourism industry, shaping China's image as a tourist destination of the future.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
