China's 15th Five-Year Tourism Plan Targets 190 Million Inbound Visits by 2030
China's State Council approved a landmark 15th Five-Year Tourism Development Plan on July 8, 2026, targeting 190 million inbound visits and $150 billion in annual tourism spending by 2030.
Key takeaway
On July 8, 2026, China's State Council approved the 15th Five-Year Tourism Development Plan (2026-2030), targeting 190 million inbound tourist visits annually and over $150 billion in annual inbound tourism spending by 2030. The plan prioritizes visa-free expansion, payment system improvements, multilingual services, and tourism infrastructure upgrades for foreign visitors.
How the rules work
What Changed
According to a State Council release on July 8, 2026, the State Council of the People's Republic of China approved the 15th Five-Year Plan for Tourism Development, aimed at building China into a "nation strong in tourism" during the 2026-2030 period.
The plan's headline target, confirmed by Xinhua News Agency and China.org.cn, is to attract 190 million inbound tourist visits annually by 2030. To put this in perspective, China recorded approximately 82 million inbound tourist visits in 2025 — meaning the plan aims to more than double inbound tourism within five years.
According to the Global Times, China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism also set a parallel target of generating more than 150 billion US dollars in annual inbound tourism spending by 2030. The Nation Thailand reported the plan includes comprehensive measures spanning visa facilitation, payment system improvements, multilingual services, and tourism infrastructure upgrades.
The plan builds on the momentum already visible in H1 2026: the National Immigration Administration (NIA) reported 17.81 million visa-free entries (up 30.6% YoY) and 369 million total cross-border trips (up 10.8%) in the first half of 2026 — data that validates the strategic direction of the five-year plan.
Who this is for
Future travelers to China planning trips in 2026-2030, tourism businesses and travel agencies, digital nomads and long-term visitors, and anyone tracking China's visa policy direction.
What to do next
- Check current visa-free eligibility on the NIA website — further expansions are expected. 2. Plan your 2026-2027 trip sooner, as inbound tourism grows 30%+ annually. 3. Set up Alipay and WeChat Pay before departure to take advantage of improving payment infrastructure.
Watch for
❌ Thinking visa-free policies are temporary → ✅ The plan confirms inbound tourism is a strategic priority through 2030
❌ Waiting for everything to be perfect before visiting → ✅ Infrastructure is already improving rapidly; visit now before crowds double
❌ Underestimating how busy China will get → ✅ Travel during shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October) for best experience
What may vary
The 190M target is a national aspiration; actual achievement depends on global economic conditions, geopolitics, and pace of policy implementation. Country additions to the visa-free list are announced individually, not all at once. Full plan benefits roll out gradually through 2030.
Backup plan
If popular destinations become too crowded, explore emerging destinations likely promoted under the plan: Guizhou (karst landscapes), Fujian Tulou (UNESCO heritage), and Gansu Silk Road cities (Dunhuang, Zhangye) — all offering authentic experiences with fewer crowds.
FAQ
What is China's new five-year tourism plan for 2026-2030?
Approved by the State Council on July 8, 2026, it targets 190 million inbound tourist visits and $150B+ in annual tourism spending by 2030, with priorities on visa expansion, payment improvements, and multilingual services.
Will China add more countries to its visa-free list?
Yes. Visa-free expansion is explicitly part of the plan. The current 50+ country list is expected to grow as China works toward its 2030 targets.
Should I wait to visit China until the plan is fully implemented?
No. Most benefits — visa-free access, digital payments, multilingual services — are already live in 2026. Visit now before inbound tourism doubles under the plan's success.
Will China add more countries to its visa-free list under this plan?
Yes, visa-free expansion is explicitly part of the plan. As of July 2026, over 50 countries already enjoy 30-day visa-free access, and the plan's 2030 targets will almost certainly require adding more countries. Monitor the NIA website for announcements.