Foreign tourists have started returning to China after the country changed its visa policy in an unprecedented move. As of July 2025, a total of 75 countries are included in China’s visa-free entry list. These travelers are allowed to enter for up to 30 days without a visa. The policy began expanding in 2023 and continued in 2024 to support the tourism industry and the national economy. According to the National Immigration Administration, more than 20 million people entered China visa-free in 2024, which was one-third of all foreign arrivals that year. This number is more than double compared to the previous year. The decision to offer visa-free entry aims to make traveling easier and more accessible for international tourists while also improving China’s image around the world.

To manage the growing demand, tour guides and travel companies have made several adjustments. An experienced tour guide named Gao Jun reported feeling overwhelmed by the number of bookings. He decided to launch a training program for new English-speaking tour guides to meet the rising need. A luxury travel company named WildChina stated that business rose by 50% compared to before the pandemic. According to their managing director, European clients now represent up to 20% of their travelers, which was below 5% before 2019. A well-known travel platform, Trip.com, said that travel bookings doubled in early 2025, with most visitors coming from visa-free regions. Although this policy has proven beneficial, challenges still exist, especially for citizens of countries not included. The new visa system is expected to stimulate China’s tourism growth and strengthen international connections.