China State Council Approves 5-Year Tourism Plan Targeting 190 Million Inbound Visitors by 2030 (2026) — What It Means for Foreign Travelers
China's State Council approved a new five-year tourism development plan on July 8, 2026, targeting 190 million inbound tourist visits and over $150 billion in annual tourism spending by 2030. Here is what foreign visitors need to know about upcoming visa, payment, and infrastructure improvements.
Key takeaway
On July 8, 2026, China's State Council approved a landmark five-year tourism development plan (2026-2030) targeting 190 million inbound tourist visits and $150 billion in annual tourism spending by 2030. The plan signals an unprecedented national commitment to attracting foreign visitors through expanded visa-free access, improved digital payment systems, and upgraded infrastructure. Travelers from 76 countries already enjoy visa-free entry as of July 2026, with further expansion expected.
How the rules work
What Changed
According to the State Council of China, the newly approved five-year plan formally codifies China's ambition to become a global "tourism powerhouse." The plan was announced on July 8, 2026 through an official release carried by Xinhua News Agency and the Global Times.
The 190-million-visitor target represents a dramatic scaling-up of China's inbound tourism ambitions. For context, China received approximately 145 million inbound trips in 2019, its pre-pandemic peak. The $150 billion spending target would more than double 2019 inbound tourism revenue.
As reported by the South China Morning Post, the plan also aims to increase China's global influence through tourism, positioning the sector as a key pillar of cross-border cultural exchange and soft power.
The plan builds on an already-expanding suite of facilitative policies. As of July 2026, travelers from 76 countries benefit from unilateral or mutual visa-free entry to China, while citizens of 55 additional countries can use the 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit policy. The five-year plan is expected to further expand these visa-free lists and streamline entry procedures.
Who this is for
Foreign travelers planning or considering a trip to China — especially passport holders from visa-free countries, transit travelers using the 240-hour policy, business travelers, digital nomads, cruise passengers, and leisure tourists curious about improving entry and payment conditions.
What to do next
- Check your visa-free eligibility at en.nia.gov.cn — 76 countries already qualify. 2. Download Alipay or WeChat Pay and link your foreign credit card before departure. 3. Book key attractions and trains 7-15 days ahead using 12306 English app. 4. Subscribe to ChinaPie travel updates for rolling policy changes.
Watch for
❌ Assuming this plan is just rhetoric — State Council approval gives it binding policy weight; concrete NIA and MCT measures will follow. → ✅ Watch for specific ministry announcements on visa changes and payment upgrades.
❌ Waiting until 2030 to visit — early movers in 2026-2027 benefit from lower crowds before the 190M target drives peak demand. → ✅ Visit during shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October) for the best experience.
❌ Ignoring the current visa-free list — 76 countries already qualify for visa-free entry. → ✅ Check en.nia.gov.cn before applying for a visa.
❌ Skipping mobile payment setup — even with infrastructure improvements, Alipay/WeChat Pay remain essential. → ✅ Set up at least one mobile payment app with your foreign card before arrival.
What may vary
The 190-million-visitor target depends on global economic conditions, airline route availability, and geopolitical factors. Individual visa-free expansions will be announced by NIA on a rolling basis — not all countries receive identical treatment. Payment infrastructure improvements roll out city-by-city, with Tier-1 cities leading.
Backup plan
If your country is not yet visa-free, apply for an L (tourist) visa through your nearest Chinese Visa Application Service Center (4-7 business days). Alternatively, use the 240-hour visa-free transit policy by booking a flight through one of 37 designated ports with an onward ticket to a third country.
FAQ
When does China's new 5-year tourism plan take effect?
The plan was approved by the State Council on July 8, 2026, and covers the 2026-2030 period. Implementation measures from individual ministries (NIA, MCT, CAAC, China Railway) will be rolled out progressively over the five-year window.
Will more countries get visa-free access to China under this plan?
Yes. The 190 million inbound visitor target requires further visa liberalization. As of July 2026, 76 countries have unilateral or mutual visa-free entry, and 55 countries have 240-hour visa-free transit. Both lists are expected to expand significantly.
Do I still need Alipay or WeChat Pay if payment infrastructure improves?
Yes. Mobile payment via Alipay or WeChat Pay remains the most reliable way to pay across China in 2026. Both platforms now support foreign passport registration and international credit cards with 90-day fee waivers for new foreign users.
Is China really expecting 190 million foreign visitors by 2030?
The 190 million figure is an official target set by the State Council. China welcomed approximately 145 million inbound trips in 2019. Achieving 190 million by 2030 would require approximately 4% annual growth — ambitious but feasible given current visa-free expansions and new flight routes.
Do I still need to set up Alipay or WeChat Pay if payment infrastructure is improving?
Yes. While the plan commits to better foreign card acceptance at physical merchants, mobile payment via **Alipay** or **WeChat Pay** remains the most reliable way to pay across China in 2026. Both platforms now support foreign passport registration and international credit cards, with 90-day fee waivers for new foreign users.