China: Beijing Surpasses 10 Million International Travelers, Confirming Tourism Recovery

Tuesday 16 June 2026 - 08:09

The resumption of international exchanges is gaining momentum in China. Since the beginning of the year, Beijing has surpassed the threshold of 10 million international entries and exits, achieving this milestone more than two weeks ahead of last year's pace.

This progress illustrates the impact of measures implemented by Chinese authorities to facilitate access to the territory and revive incoming tourism, in a context of gradual normalization of international travel.

Foreign Travelers Fuel Growth

Between January 1 and June 15, the volume of international movements recorded in the Chinese capital increased by over 10% year-on-year. This dynamic is primarily driven by the rise in arrivals of foreign visitors.

Foreign nationals now account for more than one-third of total international traffic in Beijing. The number of their entries and exits has seen significant growth, confirming the capital's regained attractiveness to tourists, business travelers, and visitors coming to reunite with loved ones.

The easing of entry conditions appears to be a determining factor in this recovery. More than seven out of ten foreign travelers have benefited from visa exemption schemes or temporary entry permits.

A Strategy of Openness Supporting the Economy

China now applies a unilateral visa exemption regime for fifty countries. This policy aims to enhance the country's tourism competitiveness while supporting trade exchanges and international investments.

Beyond the tourism sector, authorities view the resumption of cross-border flows as a key indicator of the country's economic reopening.

In Beijing, the increase in international visitors directly benefits airlines, hotels, retail businesses, restaurants, and all travel-related services.

Business travel also constitutes an important driver of this growth, as China seeks to strengthen its economic ties with its main international partners.

Major Chinese Metropolises Confirm the Trend

The dynamic observed in Beijing is reflected in several major entry points across the country.

In Shanghai, Pudong International Airport has surpassed 15 million international passengers since the beginning of the year, reaching this level earlier than in 2025. Foreign travelers there are also experiencing significant growth.

In the south of the country, Shenzhen is showing sustained growth in international arrivals. Local authorities highlight an increasing diversification of visitor origins, with travelers from nearly 190 countries and regions.

Visa exemption measures significantly contribute to this evolution, reinforcing the role of major Chinese metropolises as regional hubs for business, tourism, and innovation.

Chinese Travelers Remain Predominant

Despite the strong growth in foreign arrivals, Chinese nationals continue to represent the majority of international flows to and from Beijing.

South Korea, Thailand, and Singapore are among the most popular destinations for Chinese travelers, reflecting the renewed vitality of regional exchanges in Asia.

This gradual recovery of international travel confirms China's intention to strengthen its global economic integration by relying on a more open mobility policy and the development of its transport infrastructure.