Following China’s expansion of its unilateral visa-free policy to include Latin America and the Caribbean on June 1, the number of international visitors has surged, significantly boosting tourism spending. The policy now covers 47 countries. Despite the onset of the rainy season in Shanghai, inbound tourist arrivals have remained strong. Located just 500 meters from Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, the Shanghai Elong Hotel has become a top choice among foreign travelers. In April, over 85 percent of the hotel’s bookings came from international guests, according to manager Zhang Guilin. To better serve these visitors, hotel staff are trained in multiple languages, signs are bilingual, and the menu now includes both local and international dishes.
Shanghai has become a gateway for many first-time tourists to explore more of China. Data from online booking platform LY.COM shows that newcomers prefer famous attractions, while returning visitors seek off-the-beaten-path experiences. The Yangtze River Delta region — including Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui — is aiming for a 10% annual growth rate in international overnight visitors by 2027. Cultural landmarks like the Sanxingdui Museum in Sichuan have also seen rising international interest. The museum now offers over 200 guided tours in foreign languages and supports seven-language digital guides. Meanwhile, tax refund claims in places like Beijing have soared — with purchases shifting beyond luxury goods to include traditional Chinese products — further illustrating China’s growing appeal to global tourists.