As the 2025 Spring Festival wraps up, a number of travel platforms have reported a notable surge in inbound tourism bookings across China.

According to recent findings, inbound tourism bookings have risen by over 200% compared to the previous year, largely driven by visitors from key markets including Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, and the United States.

Tourism authorities attribute this increase to China’s enhanced visa-free policy.

The visa-free policy pays off

The National Immigration Administration has extended the duration for foreign nationals eligible for visa-free transit as of December 17, 2024. The previous duration of 72 hours and 144 hours has been increased to 240 hours, or 10 days. This extension, along with the addition of 21 new ports for visa-free entry and exit, is aimed at facilitating greater convenience for foreign travelers visiting China.

The number of countries eligible for this visa exemption has expanded as well, allowing for improved access for international visitors. Continuous improvements and optimizations to the country’s entry policies are expected to create a long-lasting positive effect on China’s tourism landscape, even beyond the busy Spring Festival period.