China Inbound Tourism Hits Record 22.91 Million Foreign Visits in H1 2026 (+20.4% YoY) — What It Means for Travelers
China recorded 22.91 million inbound trips by foreign nationals in the first half of 2026, a 20.4% year-on-year surge driven by expanded visa-free policies and improved payment services for international visitors.
Key takeaway
China recorded 22.914 million inbound trips by foreign nationals in the first half of 2026, a 20.4% year-on-year increase. This record surge is driven by expanded visa-free access to 77 countries, streamlined Alipay/WeChat Pay verification for foreigners, and aggressive international flight route expansion by Chinese carriers. Travelers in H2 2026 will benefit from more flight options, easier digital payments, and visa-free entry for a growing list of nationalities.
How the rules work
What Changed
The National Immigration Administration (NIA) released H1 2026 data on July 10, 2026, revealing the highest inbound tourism numbers China has ever recorded. The 22.914 million foreign arrivals span tourism, business, and transit purposes, with traditional summer hotspots like Yunnan, Guizhou, and Hunan provinces already topping international visitor itineraries, according to CGTN.
This growth is directly tied to policy changes. China's visa-free travel network now covers 77 countries — including the United Kingdom and Canada added in February 2026 — and the 240-hour visa-free transit policy allows eligible travelers to explore 24 provinces through 65 approved ports, according to the National Immigration Administration.
On the ground, the People's Bank of China (PBOC) has pushed Alipax and WeChat Pay to streamline foreign-card verification, making passport verification 98% automated and under 10 minutes, as reported by ChinaSimply. Single-transaction limits have also risen from ¥5,000 to ¥35,000 for fully verified users.
Meanwhile, Chinese airlines now operate two-thirds of China's international routes, with China Southern, Air China, and China Eastern all adding new routes to Europe and Southeast Asia in summer 2026, per Travel And Tour World. Cathay Pacific has also cut fuel surcharges three times since May 2026, most recently on July 16, 2026, reducing surcharges by 17%.
Who this is for
First-time visitors, business travelers, transit passengers, and budget-conscious tourists planning a China trip in the second half of 2026 who want to understand how policy changes affect their journey.
What to do next
- Check your country's visa-free status on the NIA official list before booking. 2. Download and passport-verify Alipay or WeChat Pay before your flight (10-minute process). 3. Book flights early for H2 2026 — demand is already at record levels and Golden Week (October 1–7) will intensify it.
Watch for
❌ Assuming you still need a visa if your country was recently added → ✅ Check the NIA list: 77 countries have 30-day visa-free access as of July 2026.
❌ Arriving without setting up Alipay or WeChat Pay → ✅ Download and passport-verify the apps before you fly — many vendors are cashless.
❌ Booking only one city for a 240-hour transit stay → ✅ The policy now covers 24 provinces — plan a multi-city itinerary within the approved zone.
What may vary
The 77-country visa-free list may expand further before year-end 2026. Peak-season (Golden Week) may see temporary crowd-control measures at major attractions. Fuel surcharge reductions are subject to oil-price fluctuations.
Backup plan
If visa-free entry isn't available for your nationality, use the 240-hour transit policy (54 eligible countries, 24 provinces) or apply for a single-entry tourist (L) visa — processing times are now 4–7 business days in most regions.
FAQ
Which countries are now visa-free for China in 2026?
As of July 2026, 77 countries qualify for visa-free entry to China for tourism, business, or transit, including the UK and Canada (added February 2026). Check the NIA official list for your country.
How many foreign tourists visited China in the first half of 2026?
China recorded 22.914 million inbound trips by foreign nationals in H1 2026, a 20.4% increase year-on-year, according to the NIA's July 10, 2026 report.
Can I use the 240-hour visa-free transit to visit multiple cities in China?
Yes. The 240-hour transit policy allows travel across 24 provinces through 65 entry ports. You must arrive from and depart to a third country/region.