By Hasan Muhammad

Editor's Note: The writer is a freelance columnist on international affairs based in Karachi, Pakistan. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of China Economic Net.

The surge in foreign visitors to China, captured through countless social media posts and videos, has illuminated the nation's evolving landscape in ways that transcend mere tourism. Travelers from around the world have shared their encounters with a country where ancient traditions coexist seamlessly with cutting-edge advancements, from high-speed trains gliding across vast distances to digital payments that simplify everyday transactions. This phenomenon, often referred to as the China Travel trend, began gaining momentum in 2024 and has continued to flourish into 2025.

At the heart of this influx lies a series of policy innovations designed to ease entry and enhance experiences for international visitors. China has progressively widened its visa-free access, granting unilateral exemptions to citizens of 47 countries for stays of up to 30 days, while maintaining mutual agreements with 29 others. The 240-hour visa-free transit policy now covers nationals from 55 countries, with recent additions such as Indonesia in June 2025.

These measures, extended indefinitely beyond their initial end-of-2025 deadline according to announcements from the National Immigration Administration, have dismantled barriers that once deterred potential travelers. In the first half of 2025 alone, 13.64 million foreigners entered visa-free, marking a 53.9 percent increase from the previous year and comprising over 70 percent of all inbound arrivals. This momentum carried into the third quarter, where the National Immigration Administration reported nearly 7.25 million visa-free entries, reflecting a 48.3 percent year-on-year growth. Such figures underscore how these policies have not only boosted numbers but also fostered a sense of accessibility.

Beyond immigration, enhancements in consumer services have played a pivotal role. The State Taxation Administration introduced a refund-upon-purchase system in April 2025, enabling instant tax rebates at the point of sale. By August, more than 10,000 stores nationwide catered to this program, resulting in a 247.8 percent surge in tourists claiming refunds, alongside nearly doubled sales of eligible goods. These initiatives have invigorated cross-border spending, turning visits into economic opportunities.

This travel boom aligns with China's shift from resource-based to institutional opening-up during the 14th Five-Year Plan period, spanning 2021 to 2025. The plan emphasized streamlined systems for customs and services, resulting in over 40 new or expanded ports and the complete removal of manufacturing restrictions for foreign investment. These efforts attracted more than $700 billion in foreign capital, demonstrating the market's allure. Yet, inbound tourism's contribution to GDP remains at 0.5 percent, well below the global average of 1.5 percent, suggesting untapped potential that could yield an additional $100 billion in output, benefiting aviation, hospitality, and related sectors.

As China approaches the 15th Five-Year Plan from 2026 onward, the trend is set to evolve further. Recent holidays, including the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival in 2025, saw over 2.43 billion cross-regional trips domestically, with tourism revenue up 15.4 percent, reflecting resilient consumer confidence despite global uncertainties. Inbound figures during these periods surged, with bookings from countries like Hungary and Saudi Arabia multiplying several times over, as per travel platform data. Organizations such as Royal Caribbean have noted China's supportive incentives for international sourcing, aiming to increase foreign cruise passengers.

More than economic gains, this opening fosters strategic value. By refining regulations, promoting cultural exchanges, and encouraging industrial collaboration, China positions tourism as a bridge for international cooperation. The stories shared by visitors, whether of efficient infrastructure or vibrant traditions, counter misconceptions and build goodwill. In a world grappling with division, China's approach injects vitality into global interactions, proving that openness can drive shared progress. The China Travel phenomenon, therefore, is not just a fleeting trend but a testament to a nation confidently engaging with the world.