China has widened its visa-free regime to an unprecedented 74 countries, allowing their citizens to visit the mainland for up to 30 days without first obtaining a visa, the National Immigration Administration announced this week. The move, effective in early July, marks the most extensive waiver since borders reopened and is aimed at jump-starting inbound tourism and facilitating business travel after the pandemic.

Read more

China has opened a 209-kilometer highway linking Altay and the tourist village of Hemu in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, cutting the drive across the remote Altay Mountains from six hours to about three. The route traverses deserts, grasslands and snow-covered peaks, forming part of a broader push to lure self-drive visitors to the region’s varied landscapes.

Xinjiang’s transport department said it will spend 10.7 billion yuan (US$1.5 billion) on six newly announced scenic highways totaling 965 kilometers. The projects are meant to strengthen a “fast entry, slow travel” network that connects widely dispersed attractions across the far-western region, which has also added aviation routes and themed rail circuits in recent years.

Read more

China's transportation sector experienced robust growth in 2024 and early 2025, with inter-regional passenger trips reaching nearly 64.6 billion in 2024, a 5.4% increase from the previous year. The Ministry of Transport reported that railways handled 4.3 billion trips, highways 59.3 billion, civil aviation 730 million, and waterway passenger transport 260 million trips. Daily averages in 2024 were approximately 180 million passenger trips and 160 million tonnes of cargo, marking year-on-year increases of 5.4% and 3.9%, respectively. In the first five months of 2025, China's railway network set a record with 1.86 billion passenger trips, up 7.3% year-on-year, including 7.665 million trips by foreign passengers, a 29% increase.

Freight transport by rail reached 1.641 billion tonnes in the same period, up 3.1%, while the China-Laos Railway transported 2.502 million tonnes of cross-border goods, an 8% increase year-on-year. The 62-day summer travel rush starting July 1 is expected to see 953 million railway passenger trips, a 5.8% increase from 2024, with an average of 15.37 million daily trips and about 11,500 passenger trains running daily. Major airports are also preparing for increased passenger volumes; Shanghai's two main airports anticipate moving 396,000 passengers daily during the summer peak, a 7% rise, while Beijing Daxing International Airport expects 9.52 million passengers and 60,400 flights during the July-August period, increases of 4.4% and 4.2%, respectively. The Yangtze River Delta railroad network operated a record 455 million passenger trips in the first half of 2025, up 4.6% year-on-year. Additionally, the China-Vietnam railway from Guangxi to Hanoi handled 18,870 TEUs of exports in the first half of 2025, a 283% increase from the previous year. China's high-speed rail network, spanning 48,000 kilometers, now accommodates over 16 million passenger trips daily and was highlighted during the 12th World Congress on High-Speed Rail held in Beijing in July 2025, which attracted more than 2,000 participants and showcased advanced railway technologies and innovations.

China's transport system experienced growth in 2024 and early 2025, with inter-regional passenger trips reaching nearly 64.6 billion in 2024, a 5.4% increase year-on-year, according to the Ministry of Transport. Railways accounted for 4.3 billion trips, highways 59.3 billion, civil aviation 730 million, and waterways 260 million. Daily averages included 180 million passenger trips and 160 million tonnes of cargo, which rose 3.9% year-on-year. In the first five months of 2025, China's railway network handled a record 1.86 billion passenger trips, up 7.3% year-on-year, including 7.665 million trips by foreigners, a 29% increase.

Freight transport by rail reached 1.641 billion tonnes, up 3.1%, with the China-Laos Railway transporting 2.502 million tonnes of cross-border goods, up 8%. The summer travel rush from July 1 to August 31, 2025, is expected to see 953 million railway passenger trips, a 5.8% increase year-on-year, with an average of 15.37 million daily trips and 11,500 passenger trains running daily. Beijing Daxing International Airport anticipates handling over 9.52 million passengers and approximately 60,400 flights during the peak summer period, increases of 4.41% and 4.18%, respectively. Additionally, the Yangtze River Delta railroad network recorded 455 million passenger trips in the first half of 2025, up 4.6%, with over 190 million trips expected in the summer. The Lhasa-Nyingchi Railway in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region has transported over 3.95 million passengers and 1.27 million metric tons of freight since its operation four years ago. The Qinghai-Xizang Railway network has expanded to over 1,187 kilometers and handled more than 95 million passenger trips over 19 years.

China's transport system experienced notable growth in 2024 and early 2025, with inter-regional passenger trips reaching approximately 64.6 billion in 2024, a 5.4% increase year-on-year. Daily averages included 180 million passenger trips and 160 million tonnes of cargo. The breakdown of passenger trips in 2024 showed 4.3 billion by rail, 59.3 billion by highways, 730 million by civil aviation, and 260 million by waterway. The railway network saw a record 1.86 billion passenger trips from January to May 2025, up 7.3% year-on-year, including 7.665 million trips by foreigners, a 29% increase.

The average number of trains running daily increased by 7.5% to 11,243. Freight transport also grew, with national railways moving 1.641 billion tonnes of goods in the first five months of 2025, a 3.1% rise year-on-year. The China-Laos Railway transported over 2.48 million tonnes of cross-border cargo valued at more than 10 billion yuan (approximately $1.4 billion) from January to May 2025, marking increases of 7.9% in volume and 33.2% in value. Additionally, the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway surpassed 10 million cumulative passenger trips since its October 2023 opening, reflecting robust growth. Infrastructure developments included the opening of Chongqing East Railway Station, Western China's largest high-speed rail hub, covering 1.22 million square meters with 15 platforms and 29 tracks. Inland waterway freight also expanded, with 23 ports handling over 4.95 billion tonnes of cargo in 2024, more than double the capacity from 2012. These data points illustrate China's ongoing expansion and increased efficiency in passenger and freight transportation across multiple modes.

China's transport system experienced growth in 2024 and early 2025, according to data from the Ministry of Transport and China State Railway Group. In 2024, the country handled approximately 64.6 billion inter-regional passenger trips, a 5.4% increase year-on-year, with an average of 180 million passenger trips daily. The breakdown includes 4.3 billion railway trips, 59.3 billion highway trips, 730 million civil aviation trips, and 260 million waterway trips. Cargo transport also rose by 3.9% year-on-year, with daily freight volumes averaging 160 million tonnes.

In the first five months of 2025, China's railway network set a record with 1.86 billion passenger trips, marking a 7.3% year-on-year increase. Foreign passenger trips on railways rose 29% to 7.665 million. The average daily number of trains increased by 7.5% to 11,243. Freight transport on national railways reached 1.641 billion tonnes in the same period, up 3.1%, supported by a 4.2% increase in daily loaded freight cars. The China-Laos Railway transported 2.502 million tonnes of cross-border goods, an 8% increase year-on-year. Additionally, China's high-speed rail network has expanded steadily since 2012, with the Harbin-Dalian high-speed railway having transported 1 billion passengers since its inception. The system has recorded 41 fatalities since 2008, mostly from a 2011 crash. Infrastructure projects continue, including the construction of a 14,625-meter high-speed railway tunnel in Chongqing. Meanwhile, South African air traffic is projected to grow by 2% in 2025 despite challenges from inadequate airport infrastructure and equipment delays.

China Eastern Airlines, the second-largest airline in China with a fleet of over 660 aircraft and approximately 220 global destinations, announced it will begin operating a new route connecting Shanghai and Buenos Aires starting in December 2025. This route will be the first direct flight link between Argentina and China, with two weekly flights planned. Buenos Aires will be China Eastern's sole destination in Latin America. The announcement marks a significant expansion of air connectivity between Argentina and China, enhancing bilateral ties. Meanwhile, Brazil is also seeing increased Chinese business activity, with Air China introducing new flights to boost Chinese tourism, and Chinese companies like Meituan investing $1 billion in Brazil's delivery market. Additionally, Chinese food delivery and e-commerce platforms such as TikTok and Shein are expanding their presence in Brazil, reflecting growing commercial engagement between China and Latin America.

China's transport system experienced growth in 2024, with a total of 64.6 billion inter-regional passenger trips, marking a 5.4% year-on-year increase, according to the Ministry of Transport. The breakdown includes 4.3 billion trips by rail, 59.3 billion by highways, 730 million by civil aviation, and 260 million by waterway. The daily average reached 180 million passenger trips and 160 million tonnes of cargo, with cargo volume rising 3.9% year-on-year. In the first five months of 2025, China's railway network handled a record 1.86 billion passenger trips, a 7.3% increase from the same period in 2024, including 7.665 million trips by foreign passengers, up 29%.

The average number of daily trains increased by 7.5% to 11,243. The Harbin-Dalian high-speed railway, the world's first high-latitude high-speed rail operating in extreme winter temperatures, surpassed one billion cumulative passenger trips since its opening in December 2012. Infrastructure developments include the completion of the substructure for the Harbin-Yichun high-speed railway, China's northernmost high-speed rail crossing permafrost zones, and the successful rotation of an 8,761-tonne swivel bridge on the Xiong'an-Xinzhou high-speed railway section. Additionally, a breakthrough in magnetic levitation technology was achieved with a 1.1-tonne test vehicle accelerating to 650 km/h in seven seconds on a new 1,000-meter maglev test line in Hubei Province. The Xiangyang-Jingmen high-speed railway in Hubei began joint debugging and testing, aiming for a year-end opening; the 116.23 km line will reduce travel time between the two cities from 1.5 hours to 30 minutes. Hong Kong International Airport reported a 19.7% increase in passenger volume to 4.86 million in May 2025, with aircraft movements rising 8.8%. For the first five months of 2025, passenger volume increased 17.5% to 24.64 million and aircraft movements rose 11% to approximately 161,000.

India and China have agreed to accelerate the process of restarting direct air services following talks in New Delhi between Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong on 12–13 June 2025, the two governments said in separate statements.

Officials said the countries will ‘expedite steps’ required to resume flights, work toward an updated Air Services Agreement, and take practical measures to ease visa issuance. No specific timeline was announced.

New Delhi and Beijing also committed to reviving functional dialogues on economic and trade issues, assessing events planned for the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations and cooperating on the resumption of the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra, signalling a broader effort to stabilise and rebuild bilateral ties.

Beijing marked the start of the Dragon Boat Festival holiday with the opening trials of the "Thrill Tower," a new attraction integrated into the Big Air Shougang venue, originally built for the 2022 Winter Olympics. The city has experienced recent days of pleasant weather characterized by blue skies and cool breezes. However, the summer heat is intensifying, prompting a hot weather warning from a local housing complex. On June 5, Beijing recorded its first high-temperature day of the year, reaching 37°C due to a warm air mass. In response, the Beijing Meteorological Service issued an orange heat alert on the evening of June 4, signaling elevated heat conditions for residents and tourists.

China's inbound tourism has experienced a notable recovery and growth in 2025, with a 59.4% increase in tourists visiting the country this year. Beijing alone received 1.46 million inbound tourists from January to April, marking a 57.1% year-over-year rise, and tourism spending reached $1.9 billion, up 55%. This surge in tourism is shifting global perceptions of China, moving from confusion to celebration. A new trend has emerged among travelers, especially on overseas social media, encouraging visitors to "bring an empty suitcase to China" to embrace the local lifestyle and aesthetics rather than just purchasing souvenirs. The Yiwu International Trade Market, known for its wide variety of goods, exemplifies this shift. Observers note that China has transformed from one of the most restrictive tourist destinations to one of the easiest to visit within two years, with calls for further easing of travel restrictions for Americans to enhance mutual benefits.

The first international tourist train connecting northwest China's Shaanxi Province with Almaty, Kazakhstan, departed on May 29, 2025, carrying 234 passengers. This train journey, which is expected to arrive in Almaty on May 31, marks a new phase in cultural and people-to-people exchanges between China and Central Asia. The train departed from Xi'an railway station and will exit China through the Horgos border. Upon arrival, a series of cultural tourism exchange activities themed "Cultural Train: Walking Together" will be held.

This initiative follows China's broader efforts to promote its cultural heritage globally, including the recent launch of the "Nihao! China" campaign in Turpan, Xinjiang, aimed at showcasing 40 cultural sites to international tourists. Additionally, a panda-themed train has recently gained popularity among passengers within China, reflecting the country's emphasis on cultural tourism.

China has introduced visa-free travel for citizens of Chile and several other South American countries from June 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026, aiming to boost tourism and cross-border exchanges. Alongside this policy, China has optimized its departure tax refund system to enhance the shopping experience for international visitors, contributing to a rising trend of shopping tours within the country. These measures are part of broader efforts to improve the consumption environment and attract more foreign tourists. Cities like Shenzhen, Kunshan, and Xi'an showcase a blend of modernity and historical charm, offering vibrant nightscapes and cultural experiences. The convenience of mobile payments, automated supermarkets, and favorable transit visa policies further support the appeal to foreign travelers. Media coverage highlights the dynamic urban scenes and the country's openness, emphasizing China’s growing attractiveness as a travel and shopping destination.

China's outbound and inbound tourism sectors are experiencing robust growth, driven by young Chinese travelers and supportive visa policies. Shenzhen's cross-border travelers have surpassed 100 million amid a tourism boom and increased visa-free access. Effective June 1, 2025, China will expand visa-free entry to citizens of Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Peru, and Uruguay for a trial period until May 31, 2026. Additionally, citizens from 43 countries, including Brunei, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, holding ordinary passports can enter China visa-free, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry's Department of Consular Affairs.

Macao welcomed over 3.09 million visitors in April 2025, marking an 18.9% year-on-year increase, with mainland China remaining the largest source of visitors. In December 2024, China extended the visa-free transit period to 240 hours, further facilitating travel. Shanghai is intensifying efforts to become the primary destination for inbound tourism, emphasizing custom tailoring and high cost-performance experiences. The Chinese pop culture brand Pop Mart, known for its Labubu dolls originating from Hong Kong, has gained international popularity, with stores in Paris and London experiencing high demand. However, the Labubu dolls were temporarily removed from UK stores until June after reports of customer altercations. Overall, these developments highlight China's expanding tourism market and growing cultural influence globally.

On International Museum Day, celebrated on May 18, 2025, China highlighted its vibrant museum sector, reporting a total of 7,046 registered museums across the country, an increase of 213 from the previous year. These museums welcomed nearly 1.5 billion visits in 2024, showcasing a significant interest in cultural heritage. Over 91% of these museums offer free admission, reflecting the country's commitment to making cultural resources accessible to the public. In 2024, these museums hosted 43,000 exhibitions and 511,000 educational events.

Read more

China experienced a robust rebound in inbound tourism and tourist consumption during the May Day holidays in 2025, supported by multiple favorable government policies. The country recorded 1.47 billion interregional passenger trips and 314 million domestic trips, marking a 6.4% year-over-year increase. Foreign visitors engaged in immersive cultural experiences such as the Terraced Fields Plowing Festival in Guilin and the Yanu Festival in Guizhou province, as well as visits to scenic spots in Yunnan, Henan, and Chongqing. The surge in international tourism was further boosted by optimized tax refund policies and expanded visa exemption measures, encouraging higher spending by foreign tourists. Popular attractions like the Imperial Palace Museum in Beijing saw a notable rise in foreign visitors. These developments reflect China's efforts to enhance travel and shopping experiences for international tourists, contributing to a vibrant tourism sector during the holiday period.

The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has commenced the acceptance of applications for a new passport starting March 24, 2025. This new passport features enhanced anti-counterfeiting measures and allows for online applications. The initiative aims to streamline the application process and improve security. Additionally, travel and airport companies are offering support for obtaining the new passport, including partial refunds of costs associated with the passport, which can be as high as approximately 16,000 yen. Foreign passport holders in Japan can also apply for a VAT refund on goods purchased from accredited stores, provided the total value is at least 3,000 pesos.

On March 20, 2025, China's central government implemented two new measures to facilitate travel and residency for residents of Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan. The National Immigration Administration announced that these measures include the issuance of temporary electronic travel permits for individuals who lose, damage, or forget their travel documents. This permit, valid for seven days, allows residents to board flights and trains within mainland cities. Additionally, a dual-certificate verification service will link travel permits and residency certificates, aimed at improving the ease of studying, working, and living on the mainland. Local officials and lawmakers in Hong Kong have welcomed these initiatives, which are designed to enhance connectivity and support the daily lives of residents from these regions.

China has widened its visa-free regime to an unprecedented 74 countries, allowing their citizens to visit the mainland for up to 30 days without first obtaining a visa, the National Immigration Administration announced this week. The move, effective in early July, marks the most extensive waiver since borders reopened and is aimed at jump-starting inbound tourism and facilitating business travel after the pandemic.

Read more

China has opened a 209-kilometer highway linking Altay and the tourist village of Hemu in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, cutting the drive across the remote Altay Mountains from six hours to about three. The route traverses deserts, grasslands and snow-covered peaks, forming part of a broader push to lure self-drive visitors to the region’s varied landscapes.

Xinjiang’s transport department said it will spend 10.7 billion yuan (US$1.5 billion) on six newly announced scenic highways totaling 965 kilometers. The projects are meant to strengthen a “fast entry, slow travel” network that connects widely dispersed attractions across the far-western region, which has also added aviation routes and themed rail circuits in recent years.

Read more

China's transportation sector experienced robust growth in 2024 and early 2025, with inter-regional passenger trips reaching nearly 64.6 billion in 2024, a 5.4% increase from the previous year. The Ministry of Transport reported that railways handled 4.3 billion trips, highways 59.3 billion, civil aviation 730 million, and waterway passenger transport 260 million trips. Daily averages in 2024 were approximately 180 million passenger trips and 160 million tonnes of cargo, marking year-on-year increases of 5.4% and 3.9%, respectively. In the first five months of 2025, China's railway network set a record with 1.86 billion passenger trips, up 7.3% year-on-year, including 7.665 million trips by foreign passengers, a 29% increase.

Freight transport by rail reached 1.641 billion tonnes in the same period, up 3.1%, while the China-Laos Railway transported 2.502 million tonnes of cross-border goods, an 8% increase year-on-year. The 62-day summer travel rush starting July 1 is expected to see 953 million railway passenger trips, a 5.8% increase from 2024, with an average of 15.37 million daily trips and about 11,500 passenger trains running daily. Major airports are also preparing for increased passenger volumes; Shanghai's two main airports anticipate moving 396,000 passengers daily during the summer peak, a 7% rise, while Beijing Daxing International Airport expects 9.52 million passengers and 60,400 flights during the July-August period, increases of 4.4% and 4.2%, respectively. The Yangtze River Delta railroad network operated a record 455 million passenger trips in the first half of 2025, up 4.6% year-on-year. Additionally, the China-Vietnam railway from Guangxi to Hanoi handled 18,870 TEUs of exports in the first half of 2025, a 283% increase from the previous year. China's high-speed rail network, spanning 48,000 kilometers, now accommodates over 16 million passenger trips daily and was highlighted during the 12th World Congress on High-Speed Rail held in Beijing in July 2025, which attracted more than 2,000 participants and showcased advanced railway technologies and innovations.

China's transport system experienced growth in 2024 and early 2025, with inter-regional passenger trips reaching nearly 64.6 billion in 2024, a 5.4% increase year-on-year, according to the Ministry of Transport. Railways accounted for 4.3 billion trips, highways 59.3 billion, civil aviation 730 million, and waterways 260 million. Daily averages included 180 million passenger trips and 160 million tonnes of cargo, which rose 3.9% year-on-year. In the first five months of 2025, China's railway network handled a record 1.86 billion passenger trips, up 7.3% year-on-year, including 7.665 million trips by foreigners, a 29% increase.

Freight transport by rail reached 1.641 billion tonnes, up 3.1%, with the China-Laos Railway transporting 2.502 million tonnes of cross-border goods, up 8%. The summer travel rush from July 1 to August 31, 2025, is expected to see 953 million railway passenger trips, a 5.8% increase year-on-year, with an average of 15.37 million daily trips and 11,500 passenger trains running daily. Beijing Daxing International Airport anticipates handling over 9.52 million passengers and approximately 60,400 flights during the peak summer period, increases of 4.41% and 4.18%, respectively. Additionally, the Yangtze River Delta railroad network recorded 455 million passenger trips in the first half of 2025, up 4.6%, with over 190 million trips expected in the summer. The Lhasa-Nyingchi Railway in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region has transported over 3.95 million passengers and 1.27 million metric tons of freight since its operation four years ago. The Qinghai-Xizang Railway network has expanded to over 1,187 kilometers and handled more than 95 million passenger trips over 19 years.

China's transport system experienced notable growth in 2024 and early 2025, with inter-regional passenger trips reaching approximately 64.6 billion in 2024, a 5.4% increase year-on-year. Daily averages included 180 million passenger trips and 160 million tonnes of cargo. The breakdown of passenger trips in 2024 showed 4.3 billion by rail, 59.3 billion by highways, 730 million by civil aviation, and 260 million by waterway. The railway network saw a record 1.86 billion passenger trips from January to May 2025, up 7.3% year-on-year, including 7.665 million trips by foreigners, a 29% increase.

The average number of trains running daily increased by 7.5% to 11,243. Freight transport also grew, with national railways moving 1.641 billion tonnes of goods in the first five months of 2025, a 3.1% rise year-on-year. The China-Laos Railway transported over 2.48 million tonnes of cross-border cargo valued at more than 10 billion yuan (approximately $1.4 billion) from January to May 2025, marking increases of 7.9% in volume and 33.2% in value. Additionally, the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway surpassed 10 million cumulative passenger trips since its October 2023 opening, reflecting robust growth. Infrastructure developments included the opening of Chongqing East Railway Station, Western China's largest high-speed rail hub, covering 1.22 million square meters with 15 platforms and 29 tracks. Inland waterway freight also expanded, with 23 ports handling over 4.95 billion tonnes of cargo in 2024, more than double the capacity from 2012. These data points illustrate China's ongoing expansion and increased efficiency in passenger and freight transportation across multiple modes.

China's transport system experienced growth in 2024 and early 2025, according to data from the Ministry of Transport and China State Railway Group. In 2024, the country handled approximately 64.6 billion inter-regional passenger trips, a 5.4% increase year-on-year, with an average of 180 million passenger trips daily. The breakdown includes 4.3 billion railway trips, 59.3 billion highway trips, 730 million civil aviation trips, and 260 million waterway trips. Cargo transport also rose by 3.9% year-on-year, with daily freight volumes averaging 160 million tonnes.

In the first five months of 2025, China's railway network set a record with 1.86 billion passenger trips, marking a 7.3% year-on-year increase. Foreign passenger trips on railways rose 29% to 7.665 million. The average daily number of trains increased by 7.5% to 11,243. Freight transport on national railways reached 1.641 billion tonnes in the same period, up 3.1%, supported by a 4.2% increase in daily loaded freight cars. The China-Laos Railway transported 2.502 million tonnes of cross-border goods, an 8% increase year-on-year. Additionally, China's high-speed rail network has expanded steadily since 2012, with the Harbin-Dalian high-speed railway having transported 1 billion passengers since its inception. The system has recorded 41 fatalities since 2008, mostly from a 2011 crash. Infrastructure projects continue, including the construction of a 14,625-meter high-speed railway tunnel in Chongqing. Meanwhile, South African air traffic is projected to grow by 2% in 2025 despite challenges from inadequate airport infrastructure and equipment delays.

China Eastern Airlines, the second-largest airline in China with a fleet of over 660 aircraft and approximately 220 global destinations, announced it will begin operating a new route connecting Shanghai and Buenos Aires starting in December 2025. This route will be the first direct flight link between Argentina and China, with two weekly flights planned. Buenos Aires will be China Eastern's sole destination in Latin America. The announcement marks a significant expansion of air connectivity between Argentina and China, enhancing bilateral ties. Meanwhile, Brazil is also seeing increased Chinese business activity, with Air China introducing new flights to boost Chinese tourism, and Chinese companies like Meituan investing $1 billion in Brazil's delivery market. Additionally, Chinese food delivery and e-commerce platforms such as TikTok and Shein are expanding their presence in Brazil, reflecting growing commercial engagement between China and Latin America.

China's transport system experienced growth in 2024, with a total of 64.6 billion inter-regional passenger trips, marking a 5.4% year-on-year increase, according to the Ministry of Transport. The breakdown includes 4.3 billion trips by rail, 59.3 billion by highways, 730 million by civil aviation, and 260 million by waterway. The daily average reached 180 million passenger trips and 160 million tonnes of cargo, with cargo volume rising 3.9% year-on-year. In the first five months of 2025, China's railway network handled a record 1.86 billion passenger trips, a 7.3% increase from the same period in 2024, including 7.665 million trips by foreign passengers, up 29%.

The average number of daily trains increased by 7.5% to 11,243. The Harbin-Dalian high-speed railway, the world's first high-latitude high-speed rail operating in extreme winter temperatures, surpassed one billion cumulative passenger trips since its opening in December 2012. Infrastructure developments include the completion of the substructure for the Harbin-Yichun high-speed railway, China's northernmost high-speed rail crossing permafrost zones, and the successful rotation of an 8,761-tonne swivel bridge on the Xiong'an-Xinzhou high-speed railway section. Additionally, a breakthrough in magnetic levitation technology was achieved with a 1.1-tonne test vehicle accelerating to 650 km/h in seven seconds on a new 1,000-meter maglev test line in Hubei Province. The Xiangyang-Jingmen high-speed railway in Hubei began joint debugging and testing, aiming for a year-end opening; the 116.23 km line will reduce travel time between the two cities from 1.5 hours to 30 minutes. Hong Kong International Airport reported a 19.7% increase in passenger volume to 4.86 million in May 2025, with aircraft movements rising 8.8%. For the first five months of 2025, passenger volume increased 17.5% to 24.64 million and aircraft movements rose 11% to approximately 161,000.

India and China have agreed to accelerate the process of restarting direct air services following talks in New Delhi between Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong on 12–13 June 2025, the two governments said in separate statements.

Officials said the countries will ‘expedite steps’ required to resume flights, work toward an updated Air Services Agreement, and take practical measures to ease visa issuance. No specific timeline was announced.

New Delhi and Beijing also committed to reviving functional dialogues on economic and trade issues, assessing events planned for the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations and cooperating on the resumption of the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra, signalling a broader effort to stabilise and rebuild bilateral ties.

Beijing marked the start of the Dragon Boat Festival holiday with the opening trials of the "Thrill Tower," a new attraction integrated into the Big Air Shougang venue, originally built for the 2022 Winter Olympics. The city has experienced recent days of pleasant weather characterized by blue skies and cool breezes. However, the summer heat is intensifying, prompting a hot weather warning from a local housing complex. On June 5, Beijing recorded its first high-temperature day of the year, reaching 37°C due to a warm air mass. In response, the Beijing Meteorological Service issued an orange heat alert on the evening of June 4, signaling elevated heat conditions for residents and tourists.

China's inbound tourism has experienced a notable recovery and growth in 2025, with a 59.4% increase in tourists visiting the country this year. Beijing alone received 1.46 million inbound tourists from January to April, marking a 57.1% year-over-year rise, and tourism spending reached $1.9 billion, up 55%. This surge in tourism is shifting global perceptions of China, moving from confusion to celebration. A new trend has emerged among travelers, especially on overseas social media, encouraging visitors to "bring an empty suitcase to China" to embrace the local lifestyle and aesthetics rather than just purchasing souvenirs. The Yiwu International Trade Market, known for its wide variety of goods, exemplifies this shift. Observers note that China has transformed from one of the most restrictive tourist destinations to one of the easiest to visit within two years, with calls for further easing of travel restrictions for Americans to enhance mutual benefits.

The first international tourist train connecting northwest China's Shaanxi Province with Almaty, Kazakhstan, departed on May 29, 2025, carrying 234 passengers. This train journey, which is expected to arrive in Almaty on May 31, marks a new phase in cultural and people-to-people exchanges between China and Central Asia. The train departed from Xi'an railway station and will exit China through the Horgos border. Upon arrival, a series of cultural tourism exchange activities themed "Cultural Train: Walking Together" will be held.

This initiative follows China's broader efforts to promote its cultural heritage globally, including the recent launch of the "Nihao! China" campaign in Turpan, Xinjiang, aimed at showcasing 40 cultural sites to international tourists. Additionally, a panda-themed train has recently gained popularity among passengers within China, reflecting the country's emphasis on cultural tourism.

China has introduced visa-free travel for citizens of Chile and several other South American countries from June 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026, aiming to boost tourism and cross-border exchanges. Alongside this policy, China has optimized its departure tax refund system to enhance the shopping experience for international visitors, contributing to a rising trend of shopping tours within the country. These measures are part of broader efforts to improve the consumption environment and attract more foreign tourists. Cities like Shenzhen, Kunshan, and Xi'an showcase a blend of modernity and historical charm, offering vibrant nightscapes and cultural experiences. The convenience of mobile payments, automated supermarkets, and favorable transit visa policies further support the appeal to foreign travelers. Media coverage highlights the dynamic urban scenes and the country's openness, emphasizing China’s growing attractiveness as a travel and shopping destination.

China's outbound and inbound tourism sectors are experiencing robust growth, driven by young Chinese travelers and supportive visa policies. Shenzhen's cross-border travelers have surpassed 100 million amid a tourism boom and increased visa-free access. Effective June 1, 2025, China will expand visa-free entry to citizens of Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Peru, and Uruguay for a trial period until May 31, 2026. Additionally, citizens from 43 countries, including Brunei, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, holding ordinary passports can enter China visa-free, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry's Department of Consular Affairs.

Macao welcomed over 3.09 million visitors in April 2025, marking an 18.9% year-on-year increase, with mainland China remaining the largest source of visitors. In December 2024, China extended the visa-free transit period to 240 hours, further facilitating travel. Shanghai is intensifying efforts to become the primary destination for inbound tourism, emphasizing custom tailoring and high cost-performance experiences. The Chinese pop culture brand Pop Mart, known for its Labubu dolls originating from Hong Kong, has gained international popularity, with stores in Paris and London experiencing high demand. However, the Labubu dolls were temporarily removed from UK stores until June after reports of customer altercations. Overall, these developments highlight China's expanding tourism market and growing cultural influence globally.

On International Museum Day, celebrated on May 18, 2025, China highlighted its vibrant museum sector, reporting a total of 7,046 registered museums across the country, an increase of 213 from the previous year. These museums welcomed nearly 1.5 billion visits in 2024, showcasing a significant interest in cultural heritage. Over 91% of these museums offer free admission, reflecting the country's commitment to making cultural resources accessible to the public. In 2024, these museums hosted 43,000 exhibitions and 511,000 educational events.

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China experienced a robust rebound in inbound tourism and tourist consumption during the May Day holidays in 2025, supported by multiple favorable government policies. The country recorded 1.47 billion interregional passenger trips and 314 million domestic trips, marking a 6.4% year-over-year increase. Foreign visitors engaged in immersive cultural experiences such as the Terraced Fields Plowing Festival in Guilin and the Yanu Festival in Guizhou province, as well as visits to scenic spots in Yunnan, Henan, and Chongqing. The surge in international tourism was further boosted by optimized tax refund policies and expanded visa exemption measures, encouraging higher spending by foreign tourists. Popular attractions like the Imperial Palace Museum in Beijing saw a notable rise in foreign visitors. These developments reflect China's efforts to enhance travel and shopping experiences for international tourists, contributing to a vibrant tourism sector during the holiday period.

The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has commenced the acceptance of applications for a new passport starting March 24, 2025. This new passport features enhanced anti-counterfeiting measures and allows for online applications. The initiative aims to streamline the application process and improve security. Additionally, travel and airport companies are offering support for obtaining the new passport, including partial refunds of costs associated with the passport, which can be as high as approximately 16,000 yen. Foreign passport holders in Japan can also apply for a VAT refund on goods purchased from accredited stores, provided the total value is at least 3,000 pesos.

On March 20, 2025, China's central government implemented two new measures to facilitate travel and residency for residents of Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan. The National Immigration Administration announced that these measures include the issuance of temporary electronic travel permits for individuals who lose, damage, or forget their travel documents. This permit, valid for seven days, allows residents to board flights and trains within mainland cities. Additionally, a dual-certificate verification service will link travel permits and residency certificates, aimed at improving the ease of studying, working, and living on the mainland. Local officials and lawmakers in Hong Kong have welcomed these initiatives, which are designed to enhance connectivity and support the daily lives of residents from these regions.