China recorded stable growth in the number of entry and exit trips in the first quarter of 2026, in which the number of international visitors increased sharply, in the context of measures to facilitate entry and exit activities being implemented.
185 million entries and exits were recorded at border gates in this country, from January to March 2026, an increase of 13.5% compared to the same period last year, according to a notice from the National Migration Service.
During this period, foreigners carried out 21.33 million entries and exits, an increase of 22.3% compared to the same period last year. The number of entries under visa exemption reached 8.32 million, accounting for 77.9% of the total number of foreign visitors, an increase of 29.3% compared to the same period last year.
This growth rate shows that functional agencies are continuing to ease entry policies and create more favorable conditions for international tourists.
In the coastal city of Xiamen (Fujian province), customs procedures have been simplified, helping to shorten the time for tourists to complete procedures.
Kate, an Australian tourist traveling with her family, said: "Currently it is very convenient to get to China. After sending inbound information online, we check in very quickly. China is opening up and friendly welcoming international visitors.
Meanwhile, in Hainan - a tropical island province and a free trade center - the expanded visa exemption policy is currently applied to citizens from 86 countries and territories. Russia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan and some other countries are the main source of visitors.
In 2025, China welcomed more than 150 million international tourists, an increase of more than 17% compared to the same period last year, with total spending exceeding 130 billion USD, according to the country's Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The number of visitors entering under visa exemption exceeded 30 million.
As of February this year, China has expanded its unilateral visa exemption policy for citizens of 50 countries.
Improved infrastructure and services are also encouraging foreign tourists to stay longer and experience deeper. Popular activities include high-speed train rides, drone lighting shows, and traditional Chinese massage.
Following this trend, in March, functional agencies implemented additional measures to promote spending by international tourists, including perfecting the visa-free transit policy and upgrading tax refund services upon exit. At the same time, efforts were also stepped up to improve payment methods and strengthen language services at key points.
