"Laowai" in China | Openness fuels surge in China's inbound visitors, strengthens people-to-people exchanges

Xinhua
28 Jan 2026, 13:45 GMT+10

(260128) -- BEIJING, Jan. 28, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Zaparivannaia Mariia from Russia has a hotpot meal in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, Jan. 10, 2026. Zaparivannaia is a coach at a fencing club in Wuhan.

Fueled by China's expanding visa-free policies, inbound travel surged in 2025, with visa-free entries jumping 49.5 percent year-on-year to nearly 30.1 million, official data showed.

The National Immigration Administration said on Wednesday that international visitors made over 82 million crossings in total, marking a 26.4 percent year-on-year increase.

Currently, China offers visa-free entry to citizens of 76 countries. Plus, travelers from 55 countries can take advantage of a 240-hour visa-free transit policy at 65 different entry points.

Beyond short-term visits, this openness is fostering a vibrant community of international residents. More scholars, students, and professionals are choosing to live and work in China, deepening people-to-people bonds. China, with much to be explored and a lot more to offer, continues to captivate hearts and minds worldwide. (Xinhua/Du Zixuan)

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