October 9, 2026 | China Travel Updates
China recorded 682,000 inbound trips by foreign nationals during the seven-day National Day holiday from October 1 to 7, 2026, according to figures released by the National Immigration Administration on October 8.
The figure represents a 5.4% increase compared with the same holiday period in 2025, reflecting continued international travel activity as China expands entry facilitation measures.
Visa-Free Travel Accounts for a Large Share of Arrivals
Of the 682,000 foreign arrivals, approximately 505,000 entered China under visa-free policies, an increase of 9.2% year on year.
These figures suggest that visa-free entry continues to play an important role in making China more accessible to international visitors.
During the same holiday, Chinese border authorities processed approximately 15.46 million inbound and outbound passenger trips across all traveler categories, up 6.7% from the previous year.
The overall figure includes Chinese mainland residents, foreign nationals and other eligible travelers, and should not be interpreted as the number of international tourists visiting China.
More Opportunities to Explore China
China's entry arrangements now include unilateral visa exemptions for eligible nationalities, bilateral visa-free agreements and a 240-hour visa-free transit policy for qualifying travelers.
For international visitors, easier entry can make it more practical to plan journeys that combine major cities with lesser-known destinations.
A first-time visitor might explore Beijing's historical landmarks, Xi'an's ancient heritage, the mountain scenery of Zhangjiajie and the riverside landscapes of Guilin in one extended itinerary.
What International Travelers Should Know
Although entry procedures have become more convenient, visa requirements still depend on nationality, passport type, travel purpose and intended length of stay.
Travelers should check the latest official requirements before booking international flights.
China's major public holidays can also bring higher demand for hotels, trains and popular attractions. Visitors who prefer a quieter experience may benefit from traveling outside peak domestic holiday periods.
Planning a China Trip in 2026 or 2027
For travelers considering their first journey to China, the latest arrival figures offer a useful indication of the country's active international travel market.
Careful itinerary planning remains important, especially when combining several destinations or traveling with family members.
SEEK CHINA TRAVEL (SCT) helps international visitors plan private and tailor-made journeys across China, with local transportation, accommodation, sightseeing arrangements and destination support.
Discover China. Your Way.
Source: National Immigration Administration of China, October 8, 2026.
https://www.nia.gov.cn/n741440/n741567/c1815006/content.html