Beijing Sees Strong Growth in Foreign Tourism, With Record Visitor Numbers

Published on December 10, 2025

Beijing has recently seen the strongest cross-border travel numbers in over five years. With the increase in international travel due to relaxed visas and the remaining travel demand from the pandemic, international travel volumes are nearing pre-pandemic levels. Local officials report over 20 million trips have been recorded at the capital’s border control stations, the most since 2020. This number exceeds the total for 2024. The increase in international travel correlates with the China’s increased acceptance of foreign tourists, and the welcoming of international travelers.

Visa-Free Entry and Increased Mobility

A key factor driving this travel resurgence is Beijing’s decision to relax its visa policies. In particular, visa-free entry has proven to be a game-changer, particularly for foreign tourists. As of 2025, the capital has seen more than 1.86 million inbound trips made under these visa-free arrangements, nearly double the number recorded in 2024. Foreign nationals now account for around 30 percent of all crossings, with over 6 million foreign entries and exits logged for the year. This represents a 34.5 percent increase from the same period last year, showcasing how policies aimed at easing travel restrictions have played a crucial role in boosting foreign tourism.

Beijing’s success in encouraging foreign travel is largely due to its strategic international agreements. The capital benefits from mutual visa-exemption agreements with 29 countries, and has extended unilateral visa-free entry to citizens from 48 countries, spanning regions such as Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. This flexibility has been a critical factor in attracting tourists, allowing visitors from across the globe to easily experience the cultural, historical, and economic hub of China.

International Travel Surge: A Global Reawakening

The rebound in Beijing’s tourism is not just a result of returning Chinese travelers; the inflow of foreign visitors has been a major contributor. The data suggests that this recovery is more than a transient spike; it signals a steady return of international travel to the capital. According to officials, foreign visitors accounted for a significant portion of the travel volume, with approximately 6 million inbound and outbound foreign passengers already passing through Beijing’s border controls in 2025.

This growth in international arrivals reflects the pent-up demand for global travel. The sharp uptick is a clear indicator that the world is re-engaging with Beijing as a major destination. While international travel was initially slow to recover after the pandemic, Beijing’s proactive approach to easing entry requirements has turned the city into a vital point of connection for travelers worldwide. As international tourists begin to return in larger numbers, Beijing is seeing a more diversified traveler base, with a mix of tourists, business travelers, and those visiting family and friends.

Broader Recovery: Tourism Beyond Sightseeing

Travel motives are revealing an interesting shift as Beijing’s tourism market recovers. Approximately half of the foreign visitors to the capital are entering as tourists, while the remainder are arriving for business purposes or to reconnect with friends and family. This shift from a purely leisure-driven tourism influx to a more balanced flow that includes commercial and personal reasons indicates that travel is returning to a more normalized state, beyond just a rebound of sightseeing trips.

The balance between leisure and business travelers suggests a multifaceted recovery. Beijing is no longer seeing a simple bounce-back in tourist numbers but is witnessing a revival of commercial exchanges, academic collaborations, and family reunions that contribute to a well-rounded recovery. This suggests that tourism is no longer limited to short-term vacations but is once again fostering long-term relationships and international ties across various sectors.

Boosting Infrastructure and Reducing Bottlenecks

As international traffic continues to surge, Beijing has taken important steps to ensure that the infrastructure keeps up with the increased demand. To avoid the bottlenecks and delays that have plagued other major tourism centers in the past, Beijing’s authorities have implemented a range of initiatives to smooth the flow of travelers.

For example, online arrival cards have been introduced to facilitate faster entry processing. Additionally, improved on-site guidance at border inspection stations aims to provide better support for international travelers, ensuring that their experience is as seamless as possible. These enhancements in border control procedures not only reduce wait times but also demonstrate Beijing’s commitment to making the city an easy and accessible destination for foreign visitors.

Increased investment in infrastructure and services has played a significant role in creating a welcoming atmosphere for international travelers. For tourists, this means less stress and more time to enjoy the sights and experiences that Beijing has to offer, such as the Forbidden City, the Great Wall of China, and the Temple of Heaven, among others. In addition to iconic landmarks, the capital is also offering visitors access to vibrant cultural and business hubs, further encouraging the return of tourism.

Looking Ahead: A Steady and Diversified Flow of Travel

After faced previous challenges, Beijing’s tourism recovery growth is finally looking steady. Unlike the recent surge in international travel, Beijing is now seeing a consistent and varied flow of tourism. An increase in both inbound and outbound travel is indicative of the normalization of international travel, with the assistance of China’s new travel policies.

Bejing has once again become a global hotspot, both for business and leisure, as a result of the open-door policies and new travel infrastructure. As travel and tourism statistics continue to grow, international connections will allow the city to enter a new phase of post-pandemic tourism and continue to grow its international tourism.

Beijing’s tourism is not simply reflecting a one-off recovery, but it is in fact a long-term trend toward a diversified and globalized travel ecosystem. Travelling foreigners have have easy and fast access to China. Post-pandemic, tourists and foreign travelers can freely come and travel around China. Because there is no visa needed, people can travel and participate in business and/or leisurely activities. More and more foreign and international people are visiting China, and especially the capital, Beijing. Visit Beijing!