China's visa-free travel drives holiday tourism surge across China
China's expanding visa-free travel has ignited a surge of international arrivals, with overseas visitors flocking to its diverse destinations for richer, more immersive holiday experiences.
As the world welcomed 2026, more international travelers in China explored a wider variety of places and embraced deeper cultural encounters during the New Year holiday.
From Jan. 1 to Jan. 7, Sanya City and Haikou City in south China's Hainan Province saw a 28 percent and 15 percent increase in inbound tourists, respectively, attracting a significant number of visitors from countries such as South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Australia.
Hainan's offshore duty-free shopping amounted to 1.21 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 88 percent, with nearly 150,000 shoppers, which represents a year-on-year growth of 38.3 percnent.
Influenced by factors such as the 2026 New Year holiday and the 42nd Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival, the number of inbound tourists during the first week of the new year saw an increase of over 70 percent compared to the previous year in Harbin City of northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. Foreign travelers can be seen at various attractions throughout the city.
"Our country does not have such scenery. Very surprising," said a tourist from Indonesia.
The growing diversity of both destinations and sources of foreign travelers is a long-term result of China's favorable visa policies.
Right now, China offers visa-free entry to citizens of 76 countries. Plus, travelers from 55 countries can take advantage of a 240-hour visa-free transit policy at 65 different entry points.
China's visa-free travel drives holiday tourism surge across China
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
