As the world welcomed the New Year, global tourism saw a significant uptick, fueled by the holiday season’s travel rush. China emerged as a key player in this boom, attracting international tourists with its rich cultural heritage, modern attractions, and stunning landscapes. This surge in visitors is partly due to China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy, making it easier for foreign travelers to explore the country.
China’s Domestic and Outbound Travel Soars
In parallel with international arrivals, Chinese citizens were also on the move, driving a remarkable growth in outbound tourism. According to the National Immigration Administration, over 1.8 million trips were made during the New Year holiday, reflecting a 13.7% increase from the previous year. This included 869,000 trips by Chinese mainland residents, a rise of 11.1%, and 749,000 by residents from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, which saw an increase of 12.8%. The number of foreign nationals visiting China also surged by 33.6%, totaling 185,000.
The extended holiday period allowed many people to take mini vacations by combining their New Year’s Day break with annual leave. Fliggy, a popular travel platform, reported a 40% increase in high-end hotel bookings compared to last year. Domestic travel trends saw top cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, and Chengdu attracting visitors, while popular outbound destinations included Japan, Thailand, and the United States.
Snow and Ice Tourism Grows in Northern China
China’s domestic tourism also saw regional shifts, with northern regions such as Heilongjiang and Jilin gaining popularity for “snow and ice tourism.” Ski resorts and hot springs in cities like Chengdu and Wuhan attracted many visitors. Meanwhile, warmer southern destinations like Hainan and Guangdong saw a spike in bookings for “winter escape” trips, with activities such as surfing and scuba diving becoming increasingly popular.
Outbound tourism remained strong from 2023, with Fliggy reporting a 70% year-on-year increase in international bookings by January 1, 2025. Car rentals for destinations like the U.S., Australia, and Saudi Arabia also saw a significant rise.
China’s Visa-Free Policy Boosts Inbound Tourism
China’s policy changes aimed at attracting more international tourists also proved successful. The country’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy, which was extended in December 2024, allows foreign travelers to stay up to 10 days in certain regions without a visa. This policy has already shown positive results, with inbound tourism orders on platforms like Ctrip doubling compared to the previous year. Orders from neighboring countries such as South Korea and Japan surged by 215% and 145%, respectively.
Since July 2023, China has been expanding its visa-free policy, granting more countries, including Greece and Portugal, the ability to visit without a visa. The National Immigration Administration reported that from January to November 2024, China hosted 29.2 million foreign visitors, an 86.2% increase from the previous year. Of these, 17.4 million enjoyed visa-free entry, marking a remarkable 123.3% rise.
Beijing Leads Holiday Consumer Spending
In addition to the travel boom, holiday consumer activity also surged. Data from online platforms revealed that searches for “New Year’s Eve hotels” jumped by over 70%, with bookings for outskirts hotels increasing by 20%. Beijing emerged as a top destination for New Year’s Eve celebrations, with major cultural and entertainment events attracting crowds.
Beijing’s commerce bureau reported a vibrant consumption market during the holiday season. Shopping malls extended their hours on New Year’s Eve, hosting events like light shows and countdown parties. The city’s 60 key commercial areas saw a 7.8% year-on-year increase in foot traffic, with a total of 8.06 million visitors.
