China Sees 15.6% Surge in Foreign Arrivals as Vietnam Becomes Top Source Market

China's recent visa-free expansion has led to a significant increase in international visitors, with Vietnam ranking as the third-largest source of travelers.

China is witnessing a significant resurgence in international tourism, with foreign arrivals jumping 15.6% in the latest quarter. According to the National Immigration Administration, nearly 80% of these visitors entered the country without a visa. This surge is largely driven by Beijing's aggressive expansion of its visa-free policy, which now facilitates smoother entry for global travelers into major tourist hubs.

For travelers from Vietnam, the news is particularly relevant as Vietnam has emerged as the third-largest source of foreign visitors to China, trailing only Russia and South Korea. The expansion of visa-free stays to 30 days and the introduction of a 10-day transit scheme make it easier than ever for those in Vietnam to plan cross-border trips or short stopovers to explore Chinese culture.

Beyond easier entry, China is actively improving the on-ground experience for international guests. New government initiatives aim to simplify mobile payments, enhance multilingual assistance, and streamline tax refunds. With increased international flights and improved rail connectivity, the goal is to make navigating and spending within China as seamless as possible for all visitors, including the growing number of tourists arriving from Vietnam.

Source reference: VnExpress International