China Expands its Visa-Free Policy and New Payment Measures Boost the Inbound Tourism with their Rising Visitor Numbers and Spending

Published on November 24, 2025

China’s increasing popularity as a global tourist destination is fueled by the rising ease of entry procedures, including an expanded visa-free policy that makes travel for international visitors much easier. The moves granting more and more countries visa-free entry into China and simplifying procedures for issuing visas have made the country more attractive than ever to global tourists.

The move made it not only more convenient for visitors to experience China’s rich cultural heritage and modern innovations but also significantly boosted the country’s tourism sector. This has helped the country rise in global tourism rankings as more overseas visitors enjoy its diversified cultures and high-quality products.

Tourism Impact: Rising Numbers and Spending from European and American Tourists

An increasing number of visitors are flocking to China, driven by cultural experiences, luxury shopping, and a wide range of innovative travel products. According to local tourism authorities, China’s inbound tourism numbers have surged by over 100% year-on-year in 2025, with tourist spending levels also seeing a significant rise.

Notably, European and American tourists are contributing to a substantial portion of this growth. For instance, U.S. visitors have increased their spending by 50%, while French tourists have seen an incredible 160% increase in expenditure during their stays in China. This sharp rise in spending is closely linked to the country’s enhanced tourism infrastructure and payment facilitation measures, making it easier and more efficient for international visitors to enjoy their experiences. This growth in tourism spending not only reflects an uptick in visitor numbers but also underscores China’s growing prominence in global tourism, particularly among high-spending Western markets.

Customized Travel Itineraries: Empowering Global Travel Agents to Discover China

As part of the broader strategy to attract international visitors, the Student and Youth Travel Association (SYTA) from the United States brought its 16 educational travel agencies to China during the 2025 Xianghu Dialogue of the World Tourism Alliance (WTA), held in Hangzhou in Zhejiang Province. This event allowed the travel agents to explore multiple popular cities in China and craft customized student itineraries that would appeal to the educational travel market.

The 10-day tour included activities such as learning Tai Chi at the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, experiencing Peking Opera culture, visiting the Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum in Xi’an, and trying pottery making. In Hangzhou, visitors experienced the traditional tea art and toured West Lake, deeply immersing themselves in China’s cultural and historical resources. This personalized approach to tourism plays a major role in attracting educational and youth travelers, contributing to the overall growth of the tourism market and strengthening China’s position as a top destination for learning and cultural exchange.

Hangzhou’s Innovative “Tap to Tax Refund” Service: Enhancing the Visitor Experience

One of the standout innovations contributing to the growth of tourism in China is Hangzhou’s “tap to tax refund” service, introduced in August 2025. This innovative service, which allows international visitors to tap their phones using near-field communication (NFC) to process tax refunds in just two minutes, is revolutionizing how tourists interact with China’s retail and tourism industries.

Hangzhou has become a leader in tourism payment facilitation in China, with 277 tax refund stores operating this year. The “tap to tax refund” service is currently available in approximately 20 leading stores across the city, contributing to an estimated £15.5 million in tax refund sales in 2024, with projections of £35.1 million in 2025. The tourism impact of this initiative is profound. Visitors can now easily process their tax refunds, creating a smoother travel experience and encouraging more international tourists to make purchases during their stay. By simplifying the payment process and making it more efficient, Hangzhou is boosting visitor satisfaction, which in turn enhances tourist loyalty and spending.

Payment Facilitation Policies: Supporting Sustainable Tourism Growth

The successful “tap to tax refund” service is part of a broader effort to introduce payment facilitation policies that support the growth of sustainable tourism in China. By offering more convenient payment options, such as tax refunds and streamlined financial services, China is positioning itself as a tourism-friendly country for international visitors, encouraging them to spend more and stay longer.

As China’s tourism market continues to evolve, the implementation of these innovative payment systems ensures that visitors have a seamless experience, from booking their accommodations to purchasing souvenirs, and even processing their refunds. This approach not only increases tourist satisfaction but also contributes to local economic growth, benefiting businesses across the country, from high-end retailers to local artisans.

The Future of China’s Tourism Industry: Building a Stronger Global Position

Looking ahead, China’s tourism industry is poised to continue its impressive growth. The combination of visa-free policies, innovative tourism products, and payment facilitation services will ensure that the country remains a leading global tourism destination. As more international tourists visit China and engage with its innovative tourism offerings, the sector is expected to contribute increasingly to the national economy.

China’s commitment to enhancing its tourism infrastructure and simplifying tourist processes will not only boost visitor spending but also promote sustainable tourism. The future of Chinese tourism lies in balancing growth with responsible practices, ensuring that the country remains an attractive destination for a diverse range of tourists.

China’s Tourism Transformation and Future Growth

Continuous efforts by China to further open up its tourism sector through innovative policies on visa-free travel, payment facilitation, and tailored travel experiences have propelled its inbound tourism significantly. These developments surely mean that international tourists can enjoy the best of the rich cultural heritage that China has to offer while benefiting from convenient services designed to enhance their stay.

These changes also have their tourism impact, as more tourists are spending longer in China, traveling to a wider range of destinations, and contributing much more to the local economy. As the country embraces sustainable tourism and technological innovation, it will keep setting the stage for its long-term growth and make China one of the leading destinations in the world for business and leisure tourists alike.