China Alongside Russia, Malaysia, Singapore and Italy Propels Chongqing’s Inbound Tourism Surge as New Five-Year Strategy Positions the City Among Asia’s Most Promising Travel Hubs Through Expanded Visa-Free Entry and Improved International Connectivity

Written By: Boby Dey

Boby Dey

A Passionate travel writer at Travel And Tour World with a strong interest in global tourism, destination storytelling, and the ever-evolving travel industry. Dedicated to creating well-researched, engaging, and informative content that highlights emerging travel trends, tourism developments, airline and hospitality news, cultural experiences, and must-visit destinations from around the world.

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July 17, 2026 13:25 GMT+5:30

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China alongside Russia, Malaysia, Singapore and Italy is accelerating Chongqing’s inbound tourism surge as the city emerges as one of Asia’s most promising travel hubs under a new five-year tourism strategy focused on expanding global visitor access and strengthening international connectivity. Chongqing’s rapid rise is being supported by growing demand from key overseas markets, expanded visa-free entry measures, improved air and transport links, enhanced visitor services and a national plan to attract 190 million inbound tourist visits annually by 2030. As the city strengthens its role within China’s inbound tourism network, rising arrivals from Southeast Asia, Europe and other long-haul markets are helping transform Chongqing into a major gateway for travellers seeking cultural experiences, river tourism, urban attractions and wider regional exploration.

Chongqing, China: Chongqing is entering a new phase of tourism expansion after being recognised as one of the key inbound tourism cities under China’s latest five-year tourism development strategy. Supported by rising demand from markets including Russia, Malaysia, Singapore, Italy and other overseas destinations, the city is strengthening its position as a major gateway for global travellers through expanded visa-free entry measures, improved international connectivity and upgraded visitor services.

The national tourism strategy aims to transform inbound tourism into a stronger pillar of economic growth and cultural exchange. Under the plan, China is targeting 190 million inbound tourist visits annually by 2030, with international visitor spending expected to exceed US$150 billion each year.

The strategy focuses on making travel easier for overseas visitors by expanding visa facilitation, increasing international transport links, improving payment services, enhancing multilingual support and developing more convenient tourism experiences.

Chongqing’s selection among 24 key inbound tourism cities highlights its growing importance within this national tourism network. The city has also been included among 32 tourism hub cities expected to strengthen their role in connecting international visitors with wider regional attractions.

Chongqing Records Rapid Growth in International Visitor Arrivals

Chongqing has become one of China’s fastest-growing inbound tourism destinations, supported by increasing international awareness and improved travel accessibility.

Since 2024, the city has recorded more than 4.5 million inbound tourist visits, with average annual growth approaching 120 percent.

In 2025, Chongqing welcomed 2.1478 million inbound tourist visits, crossing the two-million milestone for the first time. The figure represented approximately 3.7 times the level recorded in 2023, demonstrating strong recovery and expansion in overseas travel demand.

The growth continued in the first quarter of 2026, when inbound arrivals increased by 60.3 percent year-on-year.

Tourism demand from Southeast Asia recorded particularly strong momentum, maintaining triple-digit growth. Meanwhile, arrivals from Europe and North America increased by more than 50 percent, showing that Chongqing is attracting visitors from both regional and long-haul markets.

The city’s tourism growth has been supported by its combination of urban attractions, cultural heritage, river tourism, natural landscapes and improved international access.

Key International Markets Supporting Chongqing’s Tourism Expansion

Chongqing’s inbound tourism development is being strengthened by growing interest from several overseas markets. These countries represent important opportunities for future visitor growth, international promotion and tourism cooperation.

Russia

• Russia has become one of the important long-haul markets contributing to Chongqing’s inbound tourism recovery.
• Growing travel links between Russia and China have supported stronger visitor flows and increased interest in Chinese destinations beyond major gateway cities.
• Russian travellers are increasingly exploring destinations that offer cultural experiences, urban attractions and regional tourism opportunities.
• Improved connectivity and easier entry arrangements are expected to support further growth from the Russian market.

Malaysia

• Malaysia is among the leading Southeast Asian markets supporting Chongqing’s inbound tourism expansion.
• Strong cultural connections, regional travel demand and improved air connectivity have helped increase visitor movement between Malaysia and China.
• Malaysian travellers are showing greater interest in destinations offering unique city experiences, heritage attractions and nature-based tourism.
• Chongqing’s inclusion in China’s inbound tourism strategy could create additional opportunities to promote the city among Malaysian visitors.

Singapore

• Singapore represents another important Southeast Asian market for Chongqing’s tourism growth.
• Increased connectivity between Singapore and Chinese destinations has supported more convenient travel options for visitors.
• Singapore travellers are attracted by Chongqing’s modern urban environment, cultural experiences and access to wider regional tourism routes.
• Strengthened international transport links under the new tourism strategy are expected to further improve accessibility.

Italy

• Italy highlights the growing importance of European markets for Chongqing’s inbound tourism development.
• European travellers are increasingly seeking destinations that combine cultural heritage, local experiences and distinctive landscapes.
• Improved travel services, multilingual support and easier entry procedures are expected to make Chongqing more accessible for Italian visitors.
• The city’s development as an international tourism hub supports wider efforts to attract more European travellers.

Southeast Asian Markets

• Beyond Malaysia and Singapore, Chongqing has recorded strong growth from wider Southeast Asian markets.
• Visitor numbers from the region have maintained triple-digit growth, reflecting rising demand for travel to China.
• Improved regional connectivity and easier visa arrangements are expected to encourage more Southeast Asian travellers to explore Chongqing.

European Markets

• European visitor numbers have shown strong recovery, with arrivals increasing by more than 50 percent.
• The expansion of international services, improved tourism facilities and stronger destination promotion are helping Chongqing attract more European travellers.
• The city is positioning itself as a destination offering cultural discovery, urban exploration and regional travel experiences.

North American Markets

• North American visitor arrivals have also increased significantly, rising by more than 50 percent.
• Better travel services and improved international connections are expected to support continued growth from this market.
• Chongqing’s unique landscape and cultural identity provide opportunities to attract travellers seeking new experiences in China.

Expanded Visa-Free Entry and Improved Connectivity Support Tourism Growth

A major focus of China’s tourism strategy is improving travel convenience for overseas visitors.

The plan highlights the expansion of visa-free entry programmes and transit policies to encourage more international arrivals.

For Chongqing, easier entry procedures are expected to strengthen its appeal among travellers from key markets. Simplified travel access can reduce barriers for visitors and encourage more international tourists to include the city in their itineraries.

The strategy also focuses on expanding international aviation and rail connections. Better transport links are expected to improve access between Chongqing and overseas markets while supporting wider regional tourism development.

Additional measures include:

• Expanding international flight connections.
• Improving overseas payment convenience.
• Enhancing communication services for foreign visitors.
• Increasing multilingual tourism support.
• Improving accommodation services.
• Strengthening digital translation assistance.
• Optimising tax refund procedures.

These improvements are designed to create a smoother travel experience and make Chongqing more competitive in the global tourism market.

Yangtze River Cruise Tourism Strengthens Chongqing’s Global Appeal

One of Chongqing’s strongest tourism advantages is its connection with the Yangtze River, which has become an important attraction for international visitors.

In 2025, Yangtze River cruises recorded more than 100,000 inbound tourist visits, increasing by more than 150 percent compared with the previous year.

The growth of river tourism has strengthened Chongqing’s position as a gateway for travellers seeking scenic journeys, cultural experiences and regional exploration.

Yangtze River cruise tourism also supports longer visitor stays and benefits wider tourism industries, including hotels, transportation providers and local attractions.

As international travellers increasingly seek immersive and experience-based journeys, Chongqing’s river tourism offerings provide an important advantage in attracting overseas visitors.

Regional Tourism Development Creates New Opportunities

Chongqing is also benefiting from major regional tourism initiatives supported by the national strategy.

The development of the Yangtze River International Golden Tourism Belt and the Bashu Cultural Tourism Corridor aims to connect destinations, improve tourism cooperation and create broader travel routes.

These initiatives provide opportunities for international visitors to combine Chongqing with surrounding destinations, creating longer and more diverse travel experiences.

Regional cooperation is expected to strengthen tourism flows, encourage longer stays and increase spending across connected destinations.

Chongqing Targets Stronger Global Tourism Recognition

Chongqing is continuing efforts to strengthen its international tourism profile by improving visitor services, expanding tourism products and increasing global promotion.

The city’s inclusion among China’s key inbound tourism destinations represents a major milestone in its transformation into a globally recognised travel hub.

With support from expanded visa-free access, improved connectivity and rising demand from markets such as Russia, Malaysia, Singapore and Italy, Chongqing is positioning itself as one of Asia’s most promising destinations for international travellers.

China alongside Russia, Malaysia, Singapore and Italy is propelling Chongqing’s inbound tourism surge as the city rises as a key Asian travel hub under the new five-year tourism strategy, driven by expanded visa-free entry, stronger international connectivity, rising overseas arrivals and improved visitor services.

The city’s rapid visitor growth, strategic location and expanding tourism infrastructure are expected to play an important role in China’s ambition to build a stronger global tourism network by 2030.