China's inbound tourism surged in 2026 due to expanded visa-free access, improved transit policies, and a successful shopping campaign with instant tax refunds.

In 2026, China saw a sharp rise in inbound tourism, with bookings up 110% during the Lunar New Year and foreign border crossings up 29.8% year-on-year, driven by expanded visa-free access for over 40 countries, a 240-hour transit policy at 65 ports, and enhanced travel infrastructure. A national "Shopping in China" campaign boosted international shopping, with instant tax refunds at over 7,000 stores increasing conversion rates to around 80% for high-value items like tech products. Tax refund applications rose 285% and refund values surged 98.8% from January to November 2025, supported by mobile-friendly kiosks and digital check-ins, reflecting China’s push to become a globally accessible consumption hub.