China Tourism News

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On July 25, 2026, Jingdezhen Handicraft Porcelain Industry Heritage was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List at the 48th World Heritage Committee session, making it China’s 61st World Heritage site. Located in northeastern Jiangxi, the heritage covers core links of ancient porcelain manufacturing with complete industrial relics. It meets four UNESCO criteria, featuring millennial technological innovation, integrated Chinese and foreign‌ artistic fusion and standardized ancient production modes. Moreover, Jingdezhen porcelain greatly shaped European Chinoiserie, showcasing China’s profound influence on global ceramic culture and ancient international trade.

China welcomed over 1.25 million international tourists during the 2026 May Day holiday, marking a 12.5% year-on-year rise. Beyond classic hubs like Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Xi’an and Chengdu, internet-famous destinations such as Chongqing and Zhangjiajie have gained huge popularity. Relaxed visa rules, seamless cross-border payments and streamlined tax refunds have greatly boosted inbound tourism, while social media exposure further fuels global interest. Travelers now prioritize gourmet treats, distinctive local accommodation and in-depth cultural experiences. They also favor immersive City Walks and local lifestyle tours, choosing to explore daily life like genuine residents rather than sticking to pure sightseeing.

Shanghai, the world’s third-busiest aviation hub, serves as an ideal gateway to China and Asia, supported by China’s improved entry policies including 30-day visa-free entry and 240/24-hour visa exemption transit, extensive flight networks connecting 291 global destinations, as well as efficient high-speed rail links to major Chinese cities. Its airports feature self-service customs clearance, and one-stop facilities for foreign visitors, ensuring smooth arrivals and comfortable transit. Thanks to all these, Shanghai is perfectly positioned as the best starting point for exploring China and traveling across Asia.

Since Hainan launched its special customs operations on December 18, 2025, the island has seen a tourism boom. The policy has greatly benefited international visitors: visa-free entry now covers 86 countries and allows for up to 30 days’ stay, and port clearance has become much more efficient. Shopping experience has also improved significantly, with a greatly expanded duty-free catalog, a higher annual quota of CNY 100,000 per person, and most items available for immediate takeaway. Meanwhile, Hainan has operated more international flight routes and upgraded multilingual and foreign payment services. With beautiful beaches, savory food, tropical rainforests, rocket launches in Wenchang, and medical tourism in Boao Lecheng, Hainan has become one of China’s most popular and convenient destinations for global tourists.

With the 2026 Chinese New Year (Feb. 17), the Year of the Horse, approaching, lots of Chinese cities are abuzz with early New Year celebrations, among which Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai and Harbin stand out. Xi’an hosts a long-running City Wall Lantern Festival with horse-themed lanterns and Tang Paradise Lantern Show combining Chinese traditional crafts and classic Tang poems. Shanghai expands its festivities beyond Yu Garden to the Huangpu River and the Bund, partnering with POP MART for iconic character lanterns and on-site cosplay interactions. Beijing’s festive spirit pervades the Mutianyu Great Wall, hutongs and traditional markets, dotted with horse decorations and local and national specialties. Harbin leverages its ice and snow charm to craft distinctive ice horse sculptures and lanterns, a beloved spot for tourists to take photos and pray for good fortune.

China launched electronic entry cards for foreign travelers on November 20, 2025, eliminating the inconvenience from on-site paper form filling and manual review that once slowed down customs clearance. Travelers can fill out required information, including passport details, flight numbers, and accommodation addresses, via official websites or mini-programs 1 - 2 days before departure to get a QR code. A new card is required for every entry, and the entire service is offered free of charge through official channels only.

The 2026 Harbin Ice and Snow Festival will officially open on January 5, 2026, and last till the end of February. At that time, the entire Harbin will be filled with ice sculptures, ice lanterns, snow sculptures, ice entertainment and more, turning it into a romantic ice and snow kingdom. This year, the festival is larger in scale and has more projects. Additionally, it has accelerated customs clearance processes for international tourists and enhanced public infrastructure. Don’t miss the magical Harbin Ice and Snow World, the stunning snow sculptures on Sun Island, the charming ice lanterns in Zhaolin Park, and the fun-filled ice activities on the Songhua River. Harbin’s winters are exceptionally cold, so make sure to take sufficient precautions to stay warm.

China’s tourism off-season starts in mid-October, which serves as a “golden time” for off-peak trips. This period features fewer crowds, so there are no long lines at popular attractions like the Great Wall. It also brings lower airfares and hotel rates, better services such as hotel upgrades, easier ticket bookings, and opportunities for deeper local culture immersion. Top recommended destinations include Beijing, Xi’an, Zhangjiajie…

China becomes a premier autumn travel destination as its landscapes turn into a vivid “painter’s palette”, from the golden grasslands in the north to the crimson maple leaves and azure waters in the south. Popular spots like Beijing, Zhangjiajie, Jiuzhaigou, Huangshan, and Guilin attract international tourists, each boasting unique autumnal charm. Among the top destinations, the Great Wall glows golden from October to early November; Jiuzhaigou’s forests shift to gold, crimson, and violet, with Five Flower Lake reflecting surrounding hues; the Forbidden City pairs red walls with golden ginkgoes; Xinjiang’s Kanas Lake, set against snow-capped mountains and colorful trees, is hailed as China’s most breathtaking autumn site. These spots together offer diverse, stunning experiences for travelers.