China sees surge in visa-free arrivals during May Day holiday

Visa-free entries rose 14.7% as travelers from 50 countries take advantage of China's expanded entry policies

China recorded nearly 11.3 million border crossings during the May Day holiday, with visa-free arrivals rising sharply as travelers take advantage of the country's expanded entry policies.

According to a press release by the Chinese government, border crossings averaged about 2.26 million per day during the five-day holiday that began on May 1, up 3.5% from a year earlier. The peak occurred on May 2.

Trips by foreign nationals to and from China rose to 1.26 million during the holiday, a 12.5% increase from the previous year. Among those entering China, 436,000 came visa-free, up 14.7%.

50 countries now eligible for visa-free entry

China has significantly expanded its visa-free policies in recent years. As of February 2026, citizens from 50 countries can enter China without a visa for stays of up to 30 days for tourism, business, family visits, or transit.

According to China's National Immigration Administration, the eligible countries include 35 European nations (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Andorra), two Oceanian countries (Australia and New Zealand), seven Asian nations (Bahrain, Brunei, Japan, Kuwait, Oman, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia), and six countries in the Americas (Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay).

The UK and Canada were the most recent additions, joining the list on February 17, 2026.

Russia leads growth in arrivals

International travelers ventured beyond traditional destinations during the holiday. Provincial regions such as Heilongjiang, Guizhou, Hunan, Xinjiang, and Shanxi all saw inbound traffic rise by more than 60%, according to travel platforms. Arrivals from Russia jumped 120.1% from a year earlier, leading both in volume and growth.

Travelers seek immersive experiences

The shift toward more immersive travel is reflected in how visitors spend their time in China. A soccer fan from Russia traveled to Jiangsu to watch the "Su Super League," an amateur soccer competition in the eastern province. He also joined locals in practicing Baduanjin, a traditional Chinese fitness routine rooted in centuries-old medicine.

"This is one of the most beautiful times of year in China, and the holiday has so much energy," he said.

A young woman from Vietnam visiting China for the first time spent her trip to the border city of Dongxing in Guangxi exploring night markets, sampling local dishes, and sharing photos online. A fan of Chinese television dramas, she said she felt at ease with urban life in China and was struck by the warmth of local residents.

Chen Yongshan, general manager of a travel agency in Dongxing, said: "Inbound tourism is booming. We are now receiving more than 60 tour groups from Vietnam every day. With the summer holiday approaching, we expect even more inbound visitors, and travel agencies will be busier."

Cities roll out services for foreign visitors

Cities across China are introducing new services to accommodate international travelers. In Beijing, the Summer Palace has begun offering surveys in English, while the Temple of Heaven has introduced dozens of AI translation devices to help visitors navigate the grounds.

In Changsha, more than 4,000 businesses now accept international bank cards, and currency exchange services are widely available across major shopping districts. Chengdu has launched citywide bilingual volunteer programs offering language assistance for travelers.

China has also introduced conveniences such as instant tax refunds for departing visitors.

Outbound travel trends

Chinese travelers are also shifting toward more immersive outbound trips, moving away from packed itineraries and toward experiences shaped by personal interests. Demand for sporting events and theme parks has grown, while bookings for interest-based trips on Trip.com rose 78% from a year earlier, spanning activities from diving and skiing to museum visits.

According to analysts, the surge in cross-border travel during China's May Day holiday highlights the country's vast potential in the global tourism market, with broader economic spillover effects beginning to emerge.