From Beijing’s historic hutongs to Shanghai’s Bund waterfront, from bamboo rafts on the Li River in Guilin to the ancient streets of Lijiang, foreign visitors have become a striking feature of the urban landscape.
The phrase “China Travel” has quietly surged in popularity among global adventurers, turning social feeds into gateways for discovery.
On platforms like TikTok, vlogs from international creators rack up millions of views—some jet in for authentic Chongqing hotpot, others book flights after scrolling a sunrise over the Great Wall. This Golden Week—a seven-day stretch blending National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival—amps up the draw with seamless visa options and festive vibes, creating a prime window for overseas explorers.
Over 15 Million Visa-Free Arrivals: A New Wave of Inbound Tourism
The “China Travel” buzz has transcended niches, evolving into a sustained global trend. On TikTok, the #ChinaTravel hashtag boasts hundreds of millions of views and posts, fueled by immersive content from foreign creators that sparks real itineraries.
This Golden Week elevates it further. At Shanghai Pudong International Airport—a key global hub—passenger flows are surging, with projections nearing 800,000 travelers over the holiday, averaging about 100,000 daily. It’s a testament to rising interest from abroad.
National Immigration Administration data shows 15.89 million visa-free entries in the first eight months of 2025, up 52.1% year-on-year and comprising 62.1% of total inbound foreigners. At this pace, full-year totals could exceed 35 million, rivaling Japan’s projected 37 million.
Many arrive with outdated notions—pre-1949 stereotypes of scarcity or pollution. Reality hits differently: high-speed maglev trains and autonomous vehicles prompt gasps of “This feels like sci-fi.” From viral “cloud recommendations” to firsthand encounters, these moments challenge media narratives and amplify the trend.
As one French visitor put it: Videos paint a pretty picture, but seeing China’s warmth, nuances, and surprises demands being there.
Travelers are venturing deeper, sparking booms in smaller locales. In Hunchun, a border hub with Russia, crossings hit 49,000 from May to June 2025, peaking at 1,400 daily inbound Russians. Sichuan’s Ya’an, famed for pandas, saw Japanese group tours jump from under 50 in 2024 to 180 this year. Even Datong in Shanxi is emerging as a northern transit node, drawing fresh inbound flows.
Policy Perks and Seamless Stays: Lowering Barriers for All
Streamlined visas act as the ultimate enabler. China’s 240-hour transit visa-free policy now covers 55 countries at all open ports, plus 24-hour options—no pre-approvals needed for spontaneous trips. Recent expansions, like adding Indonesia in June 2025, welcome more first-timers via layovers.
Beyond headlines, everyday conveniences shine during Golden Week. The “instant refund” tax policy at spots like Chongqing’s Jiefangbei lets shoppers claim rebates on-site, no airport waits. Supported by cashless options—foreign cards, Alipay, WeChat—and multilingual staff, it eases payments and language hurdles, freeing time for holiday immersion.
It’s practical hospitality that turns visits into fond memories.
From Stereotypes to Immersion: The Allure That Keeps Them Coming Back
The initial thrill? Shattering assumptions. Pre-trip views of a “stern, distant” land give way to lively streets, helpful locals offering directions, and vendors’ patient chats—far warmer than expected.
Landscapes dazzle too. Sichuan spans epic Nine-Zach Valley vistas to Chengdu’s vibrant eateries. But the hook is hands-on magic: In Jingdezhen, tourists mold clay in pottery studios, channeling ancient techniques. In Shenzhen or Guangzhou, “cyberpunk” daily life blends tech into routines—scan-to-order meals, ticketless pickups—that feel revolutionary.
Safety seals the deal. Late-night strolls through Chongqing’s Hongya Cave buzz safely; ride-hailing apps confirm pickups, drivers remind about belongings. This reliability lets explorers roam freely, from metros to mountain paths.
Food as the Ultimate Ace: Flavors That Seal the Deal
No rundown skips cuisine—”Taste of China” delivers reliably. Hotpot adapts with mild broths and crisp textures, drawing even spice-averse palates. Street bites like Shanghai’s juicy xiaolongbao, Hangzhou’s floral cakes, or Xi’an’s crunchy roujiamo keep taste buds hooked.
Australian traveler Jack chronicled his “China food journal” online: “Came fearing weight gain—left with my diet in ruins from these delights!”
Wrapping Up: Bridges Built Over Shared Moments
This Golden Week, China’s avenues host not just crowds, but cross-cultural connections. Foreigners arrive curious about the East, trek ancient walls, savor street eats, and pocket kindness alongside snapshots—leaving with views of an open, diverse, welcoming nation.
China responds with unscripted authenticity: tradition meets modernity, hospitality flows naturally. This surge isn’t mere numbers; it’s hearts aligning—visitors uncovering a grounded China beyond headlines, locals gaining fresh lenses from afar.
When diverse faces share bites and stories under one sky, that’s exchange at its rawest—a heartfelt “global holiday gift” for the season.
Insights here blend trends and anecdotes for perspective. Individual trips vary; verify travel rules.
References
- Business Today: Visa-free access drives 52% jump in foreign visitors to China (Sep 18, 2025)
- China Briefing: China 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit – What to Know Before You Travel (Jun 12, 2025)
- TikTok Trends: #ChinaTravel and Related Hashtags (2025)
- CGTN: Shanghai’s airports see two-way passenger surge as holiday begins (Oct 2, 2025)
- All Japan Tours: Japan & China Group Tours 2025-2026 (2025)
