China’s National Day holiday draws global tourists

Travel Biz News —

BEIJING, Oct. 8 (Xinhua / CGTN ) — On Oct. 1, the first day of China’s eight-day National Day holiday, 70-year-old Nikolayev crossed the border into Manzhouli, a border city in north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.

“This is my birthday gift to myself,” said the Russian traveler, beaming as he waved his passport freshly stamped with an entry seal.

Fascinated by China since childhood, Nikolayev had long dreamed of visiting the neighboring country. When he learned about China’s latest visa-free travel policy for Russian citizens last month, he decided to celebrate his 70th birthday in China, arriving just in time for China’s National Day.

According to China’s National Immigration Administration (NIA), tourists of 76 countries now enjoy unilateral or mutual visa-free entry, with transit exemptions expanded to 55 countries. Citizens of 55 countries, including the United States and Canada, can visit China visa-free for up to 10 days in transit, before traveling to a third destination.

According to official data, from January to August this year, Chongqing saw an 82.48 percent year-on-year increase in inbound tourist arrivals.

During this holiday, the city continued to draw foreign visitors, among them was Antonio from Spain, who visited Chongqing during this National Day holiday, drawn especially to the striking sight of a monorail slicing through apartment blocks, a feature he eagerly photographed.

While Chongqing amazed people with its modern skyscrapers, north China’s Shanxi Province presented a journey through centuries-old wooden pagodas and temples.

Renowned for its ancient structures with over 28,000 preserved historical buildings, the province’s popularity has surged thanks to the phenomenal video game Black Myth: Wukong, inspired by the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West.

In Taiyuan City, Spanish visitor Sergio, a fan of ancient architecture, was greeted with an unexpected touch of Mid-Autumn warmth: a mooncake and a cultural brochure from immigration officers.

According to official data, Xi County welcomed over 93,000 visitors from Oct. 1 to 7, matching the county’s entire population.  

China is expected to record an average of 2 million daily border crossings during the eight-day National Day holiday, which overlaps with the Mid-Autumn Festival holiday, according to the NIA. 

China sees inbound tourism boom over National Day, Mid-Autumn holidays

CGTN reports –

China is witnessing a notable increase in inbound tourism during the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holidays, as more international travelers are being drawn to the country’s unique blend of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.

The National Immigration Administration (NIA) forecasts that the daily average of border crossings will reach 2 million during the October 1 to 8 holiday period.

Data from Qunar, a leading Chinese travel service platform, reveals that foreign tourists’ bookings during the holidays span nearly 100 cities nationwide. The top 10 countries with the largest growth in foreign tourist arrivals include Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Spain, Hungary, Saudi Arabia, Myanmar, South Korea, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Singapore.

The influx of international visitors to China’s top tourist destinations reached unprecedented levels, with Beijing, Shanghai and northwest China’s Xi’an being the primary focal points, the Travel and Tour World Magazine reported on Tuesday.

While China’s historical landmarks, cultural attractions, and modern urban landscapes continue to captivate visitors, the recent surge in inbound tourism is largely attributed to the country’s evolving travel facilitation policies.

China’s visa-free arrangements are expanding rapidly. Currently, 76 countries enjoy either unilateral or mutual visa-free entry, while citizens of 55 countries are eligible for visa-free transit stays of up to 10 days.

Starting September 15, China began piloting a visa-free travel policy for Russian citizens holding ordinary passports. Data from online travel agency Ctrip showed that inbound travel bookings from Russian tourists during this holiday period registered a year-on year increase of 75 percent.

In addition to expanding visa policies, China has introduced measures to streamline entry, enhance consumption experiences, and simplify tax refund processes.

In terms of payment, UnionPay, Alipay, and WeChat Pay have covered over 95 percent of key shopping areas and tourist attractions nationwide, offering convenient payment options for foreign visitors. Moreover, by the end of August, over 10,000 stores in China were participating in the tax refund program, contributing to a significant boost in sales. In addition, malls and scenic spots have improved bilingual services, while ticket reservation systems have been optimized, ensuring a smoother experience for international tourists.

The influx of international visitors has brought substantial economic benefits, driving growth in sectors such as accommodation, dining, transportation, and shopping.

Sales of tax-refundable goods surged by 97.5 percent compared to last year, while the value of tax refunds increased by 96.9 percent, according to the State Taxation Administration.

Foreign tourists’ expenditures are not only boosting service trade revenue, but also compelling the domestic service industry to enhance the quality of services offered. Regions across the country are actively developing tourism products with local characteristics, enhancing their appeal to global travelers.

For instance, Hangzhou City in eastern China hosted activities such as moon-viewing during the Mid-Autumn Festival and traditional Chinese medicine wellness experiences to attract international tourists during the holidays.

The State Administration of Foreign Exchange expects that, driven by favorable policies, the travel market’s potential for consumption is expected to expand, the appeal of “China Travel” will continue to grow, and cross-border tourism revenue is expected to maintain a steady growth trend.

Dai Bin, president of the China Tourism Academy, emphasized that with coordinated efforts in visa facilitation, payments, consumption and service quality, China’s inbound tourism has entered a new phase marked by rapid growth and high-quality development.

While acknowledging the rise in inbound tourism signals a promising future for the country’s tourism industry, the Travel and Tour World Magazine highlighted that the impressive rise also showed a positive shift in global travel as China remains a top contender for global tourism.

8 October 2025

Photo :Tourists visit an ancient town in Zhenyuan County of Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China’s Guizhou Province, Oct. 3, 2025. Tourist destinations across China are witnessing a surge in visitors as the country’s eight-day National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday . [Photo/Xinhua]