South Korea Joins Russia, Thailand, Indonesia, Italy, Singapore, Malaysia and Australia Powering China to Over Nine Million International Visitors in a Dramatic 2025 Tourism Breakthrough

Published on February 13, 2026

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In 2025, South Korea, Russia, Thailand, Indonesia, Italy, Singapore, Malaysia, and Australia played a pivotal role in driving China tourism to an impressive 9.36 million international visitors, marking a significant rebound for China’s tourism sector. This dramatic growth surge—a 39.58 percent increase year-on-year—was fueled by robust demand across Asia-Pacific and Europe, with each of these regions contributing to a diversified, resilient global visitor mix. China enhanced tourism infrastructure, along with a surge in overnight stays and the luxury hotel sector’s strong performance, solidified the city’s position as one of China’s most sought-after destinations, drawing travelers eager to experience its unique blend of cultural, modern, and high-end tourism offerings.

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China Powers Ahead as South Korea, Russia, Thailand, Indonesia, Italy, Singapore, Malaysia and Australia Drive Shanghai Tourism to 9.36 Million International Visitors in 2025

In 2025, Shanghai staged a striking tourism comeback, drawing 9.36 million inbound visitors and reaffirming its position as one of China’s most magnetic global gateways. The numbers tell a story of revival, resilience and renewed international confidence, as the city recorded sharp year-on-year growth backed by stronger air connectivity, visa facilitation measures and a maturing hospitality landscape.

According to official figures released by the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism, inbound arrivals climbed 39.58 percent year on year, with momentum accelerating toward the end of the calendar. December alone welcomed 1.08 million international travelers, a powerful 45.56 percent increase compared to the same month in 2024.

Even more telling was the spike in overnight stays. Shanghai logged 1.04 million overnight visitors in December, up 47.72 percent year on year. Across the full year, overnight arrivals reached 8.79 million, reflecting a 45.09 percent increase — a clear signal that travelers were not just passing through but staying longer and spending more.

Diverse Global Markets Fuel the Surge

The rebound was not dependent on a single region. Instead, Shanghai benefited from a broad-based resurgence across Asia-Pacific, Europe and Eurasia, strengthening its reputation as a truly international city.

Here’s how key source markets performed in 2025:

• South Korea
  South Korea emerged as the standout growth engine, with arrivals surging 103.62 percent year on year. More than 909,100 South Korean visitors traveled to Shanghai, making it one of the city’s strongest performing markets.
• Russia
  Russian arrivals showed sustained expansion, with December traffic jumping 93.58 percent year on year. Across the full year, Russian visitor numbers increased 59.23 percent, reaching 385,100 travelers.
• Thailand
  Thailand recorded a robust 70.16 percent increase, reflecting strengthening regional travel flows within Asia.
• Indonesia
  Indonesian arrivals climbed 62.13 percent, underscoring Shanghai’s growing pull among Southeast Asian leisure and business travelers.
• Italy
  Italy delivered a solid 52.43 percent increase, highlighting renewed European engagement with China’s commercial capital.
• Singapore
  Singapore posted growth exceeding 30 percent, maintaining its place as a reliable and steady source market.
• Malaysia
  Malaysia also recorded growth above 30 percent, contributing to Southeast Asia’s strong representation.
• Australia
  Australian arrivals rose by more than 30 percent, reflecting returning long-haul confidence.

This mix of Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia, Europe and Oceania illustrates a balanced and resilient demand structure, reducing overreliance on any single market.

Travel Agencies Double Down on Inbound Services

Shanghai’s recovery was not accidental. The city’s travel agencies significantly expanded operations to accommodate rising demand.

In 2025, agencies organized 180,500 inbound trips, marking a dramatic 97.39 percent increase compared to 2024 — nearly doubling performance. December alone saw 13,300 inbound trips, representing an even stronger 102.48 percent year-on-year jump.

Across the full year, travel agencies served 274,900 international visitors, up 55.49 percent from the previous year. This surge highlights a more sophisticated tourism ecosystem, with curated itineraries, multilingual services and upgraded digital booking systems supporting smoother visitor experiences.

Hotels Record Strong Occupancy and Premium Gains

The accommodation sector felt the impact immediately. Shanghai’s diverse lodging portfolio — from historic villas to luxury riverfront towers — reported healthy occupancy levels.

In December:

• Star-rated hotels posted a 63.30 percent occupancy rate
• Other accommodation types recorded a comparable 63.29 percent rate

On an annual basis:

• Star-rated hotels averaged 65.86 percent occupancy, a two percentage point increase over 2024.

Boutique and heritage properties performed particularly well. At select boutique hotels, international guests made up a majority share, with European travelers forming a large segment. Properties overlooking landmarks such as the Bund and the Huangpu River proved especially attractive to South Korean and European visitors.

Luxury Segment Surges Beyond Expectations

Shanghai’s high-end hospitality sector delivered even stronger figures.

In December:

• Five-star hotel occupancy rose to 70.71 percent, up 4.45 percentage points year on year.

For the full year:

• The average occupancy rate reached 71.30 percent, reflecting a 2.81 percentage point rise.

Premium pricing also strengthened:

• December average daily rate reached RMB 1,045.32, up 9.29 percent.
• The full-year average room rate stood at RMB 978.80, signaling sustained demand from affluent international travelers.

Luxury retail, fine dining, river cruises and entertainment offerings further enhanced Shanghai’s appeal to high-spending guests seeking premium urban experiences.

Infrastructure and Policy Support the Momentum

Shanghai’s revival did not happen in isolation. Expanded transport connectivity, improved visa arrangements and streamlined airport services played a critical role. Combined with cultural landmarks, architectural heritage and modern entertainment districts, the city offered both business and leisure travelers compelling reasons to visit.

The consistent increase in overnight stays indicates stronger itinerary depth — visitors explored museums, shopping districts, culinary neighborhoods and historical sites rather than limiting trips to short business engagements.

In 2025, South Korea, Russia, Thailand, Indonesia, Italy, Singapore, Malaysia, and Australia propelled China tourism to a remarkable 9.36 million international visitors, marking a 39.58 percent year-on-year growth. This surge reflects Shanghai’s enhanced infrastructure and rising demand across key global markets, solidifying its place as a top destination in China.

Outlook: A Reinforced Global Hub

Shanghai’s 2025 tourism performance reflects more than a statistical rebound. It represents a structural strengthening of its position as a global gateway in Asia.

With growth from South Korea, Russia, Thailand, Indonesia, Italy, Singapore, Malaysia and Australia, and continued infrastructure upgrades, Shanghai stands well positioned for sustained expansion. Its blend of tradition and modernity, supported by upgraded tourism services and a resilient hotel sector, ensures that the city remains one of China’s most compelling destinations for international travelers.

If 2025 marked the comeback year, the trajectory now points toward consolidation — and potentially record-breaking milestones ahead.