A Post-Pandemic Travel Record
China recorded 369 million cross-border trips in the first half of 2026, the National Immigration Administration (NIA) reported — a 21% year-on-year increase and a new H1 record. The surge encompasses both inbound and outbound travel, signalling full recovery and expansion beyond pre-pandemic volumes.
Breaking Down the 369 Million
- Total cross-border trips: 369 million in H1 2026, up 21% YoY — new H1 record
- Foreign national entries: approximately 22.91 million (H2 figure pending; full-year 2025 was ~100 million)
- Visa-free access: now covers 38 countries, up from 12 in 2023
- Yiwu Airport: launched port-visa service for eligible urgent foreign visitors
- Rail links: new cross-border tourist train connecting Russia's Vladivostok and Suifenhe entered trial operation
Infrastructure Supporting the Surge
Major airport upgrades — including new terminals in Guangzhou, Chengdu and Beijing's Daxing — have expanded international capacity. High-speed rail connections to Hong Kong and Southeast Asia borders are growing. The July 20 launch of a 60-day advance ticket-request pilot on Beijing–Shanghai high-speed routes is a further convenience boost for domestic and inbound travellers.
Economic Significance
The travel boom has tangible economic effects: foreign visitors are spending on shopping, dining and accommodation in Shanghai, Beijing and the Greater Bay Area; Chinese outbound tourists are a major driver of services trade globally. The NIA data also signals that China's reopening is deepening — a factor that supports sentiment among international investors and multinationals evaluating China operations.