In 2025, the travel list of overseas tourists to China is predicted to expand longer. While cities like Shanghai, Beijing, and Xi’an remain perennially popular, an increasing number of second- and third-tier cities are emerging as hot spots for international travelers. This trend is expected to continue, with non-first-tier cities leveraging their unique cultural and tourism assets to attract foreign visitors.
1. Shanghai - A Fusion of Modernity and History
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| Our customers in Yu Garden, Shanghai |
On overseas social media, Shanghai has earned an interesting tag: “The best ‘starter village’ for foreigners visiting China.” There are two main reasons for this. Firstly, Shanghai offers remarkable convenience for newcomers to travel around. Mobile payment and public transportation are highly accessible and foreigner-friendly, ensuring them a hassle-free experience. Secondly, it is a harmonious blend of modernity and traditional culture. Whether it’s the soaring skyscrapers or the serene, traditional architecture, Shanghai caters to a wide range of tourist expectations.
Starting from November 2024, among the tourists entering Shanghai, South Koreans take the majority. Due to the frequent flights and the short distance, most of them choose to take short trips during weekends.
2. Beijing - Home to Cultural Treasures
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| Forbidden City, Beijing |
As the capital of China, Beijing has a rich history and is home to a plethora of historical and cultural treasures. It is the prime destination for foreign tourists eager to admire ancient Chinese architecture and delve into Chinese history and culture. Iconic landmarks such as the Forbidden City and the Great Wall serve as powerful magnets, drawing in large numbers of foreign visitors.
3. Xi'an - Terracotta Army Meets Tang Dynasty Charm
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| Tourists Wearing Hanfu in Xi'an |
The Terracotta Army, a world-renowned man-made wonder, is the primary draw for tourists flocking to Xi’an. Additionally, traditional Hanfu clothing and local cuisine have a strong allure for international visitors. Many foreigners wear the elegant Hanfu and stroll through the ancient streets of Xi’an, experiencing traditional Chinese attire and a taste of life back in the
Tang Dynasty (618 - 907).
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| Zhangjiajie National Forest Park |
Among China’s many scenic spots, Zhangjiajie stands out on the international stage with its unique natural beauty, which is characterized by “three thousand strange peaks and eight hundred beautiful rivers,” captivating a large number of foreign tourists. South Korean visitors are particularly numerous, as Zhangjiajie is considered a must-visit destination in their lifetime.
5. Chengdu - Close Contact with Giant Pandas
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| Panda, Chengdu |
The giant panda serves as Chengdu’s icon, attracting countless overseas tourists. Many foreign visitors admit that their first stop upon arriving in Chengdu is the panda base. Tourists from Southeast Asian countries like Malaysia and Thailand form a significant portion of these visitors. In addition, these tourists have a special fondness for Chengdu’s Three Kingdoms culture, especially showing great interests in the stories of historical figures like Cao Cao, Liu Bei, and Zhuge Liang.
6. Guilin - Best Landscape Under Heaven
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| Li River, Guilin |
The breathtakingly beautiful natural scenery here is a major draw for foreign tourists. Besides, Guilin conforms to foreigners’ imagination of the idyllic rural life in China. Compared with the hustle and bustle of big cities, many tourists prefer to experience China’s rural charm in a more relaxed and unhurried manner, so they choose Guilin.
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| West Lake, Hangzhou |
Recently, Hangzhou has become a new favorite destination among inbound tourists, with the largest number from South Korea. The Southern China charm and traditional culture of Hangzhou are very appealing to South Koreans, and West Lake has become one of their must-visit attractions Besides, Hangzhou is very close to Shanghai. The high-speed rail journey only takes one hour, so tourists usually include both in one trip.
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| Hongya Cave, Chongqing |
Chongqing has become the top choice for Thai tourists visiting China. Most Thai cities have flat landscapes, while Chongqing’s unique “8D magic” terrain is like a real-life three-dimensional maze, providing Thai visitors with an unprecedented visual impact. For food enthusiasts, the culinary culture is an essential part of the travel experience. Despite the distance between Thailand and Chongqing, there is a wonderful resonance in their love for “spicy” food.
9. Guangzhou - A Gathering Place of Diverse Cultures
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| Pearl River, Guangzhou |
Guangzhou’s popularity among foreign tourists stems mainly from its cultural inclusiveness, attracting many foreigners, especially the African community, to experience life here. It has long been the city with the largest African population in China. Moreover, as an international trade hub, many come to Guangzhou for business and take the opportunity to explore the city.
10. Harbin - The Ice and Snow World
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| Harbin Ice and Snow World |
Harbin has gained global recognition for its Ice and Snow World. During the Ice and Snow Festival, the city welcomes a large number of foreign tourists, with the majority coming from Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries, where rarely experience snow. Tourists from these regions are particularly fascinated by snow and ice scenes. The Ice and Snow World is a must-visit, and other popular attractions include the International Snow Sculpture Art Expo and the Siberian Tiger Park.
More Predictions on China’s Inbound Tourism in 2025
More and more favorable visa policies will become a significant driving force for inbound tourism. In the end of 2024, China further relaxed its visa policies, extending the visa-free transit period from 144 hours to 240 hours (10 days), and the visa-free travel has been offered to citizens of 64 countries/ regions, greatly facilitating foreign tourists. In 2025, these visa policies are expect to draw more foreign travelers.
