China's cross-border trips hit record 697 million in 2025

China's border inspection agencies recorded a remarkable 697 million inbound and outbound crossings in 2025, showcasing a significant 14.2 percent year-on-year increase. This achievement marks a new record, highlighting the resurgence of international travel and the increased mobility of people.

Among these crossings, international visitors made over 82 million trips, reflecting a robust 26.4 percent increase compared to the previous year. Notably, visa-free entries surged to nearly 30.1 million, representing 73.1 percent of all international arrivals and demonstrating an impressive growth of 49.5 percent from 2024, according to a recent briefing by the National Immigration Administration.

The data indicates that mainland residents accounted for 335 million of these trips, while those from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan made 279 million crossings. These figures show increases of 15.1 percent and 10.1 percent, respectively, compared to the previous year.

Currently, China allows citizens from 76 countries to enter visa-free, broadening access for international tourists. Furthermore, 55 countries can benefit from a 240-hour visa-free transit policy applicable at 65 different entry points.

These measures reflect China's commitment to enhancing the convenience of international travel, which plays a critical role in reviving the nation's tourism sector and boosting economic growth. The streamlined policies have been a driving force behind the recent surge in travel.

The continuing expansion of visa policies and the improvements made in border inspection efficiency are poised to further enhance China's reputation as an attractive destination for global tourists. This will likely promote significant economic insights and benefits for the tourism industry.