Core Insights - Shanghai received over 4.158 million inbound tourists in the first half of 2025, representing a year-on-year increase of 37.6% [1] - Among these, approximately 3.121 million were foreign tourists, showing a significant growth of 53.3% [1] - The continuous upgrade of China's visa-free policies and improvements in payment, language, and travel conveniences have enhanced the attractiveness of "China Travel" [1] Tourist Demographics - South Korean tourists to Shanghai reached about 424,000, marking a remarkable year-on-year increase of 130.7% [1] - Thai tourists numbered approximately 254,000, with a year-on-year growth of 140% [1] - Japanese tourists totaled around 291,000, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 58.5% [1]

Core Points - The article discusses the expansion of China's visa-free travel policy, which now includes Azerbaijan, allowing citizens of both countries to stay for up to 30 days without a visa [2][3] - The growth of China's visa-free travel network has reached 47 countries for unilateral visa exemptions and 55 for transit exemptions, enhancing global travel trends [3][4] - The influx of foreign tourists to China is expected to rise significantly, with an estimated 20.12 million visitors projected for 2024, marking a 112.3% increase [4] Group 1: Visa Policy Expansion - The new visa exemption agreement between China and Azerbaijan allows for a single stay of up to 30 days and a cumulative stay of 90 days within 180 days [2] - The expansion of China's visa-free travel network reflects a broader trend of increasing openness and accessibility for international travelers [3] Group 2: Tourism Growth and Trends - The summer tourism season is seeing a resurgence, with family and educational travel becoming popular options among foreign visitors [4][5] - Various cities in China are launching unique cultural and tourism projects to enhance the experience for foreign tourists, showcasing local history and culture [5][6] Group 3: Shopping and Consumer Experience - The phrase "bring an empty suitcase to China" has gained popularity, indicating a growing trend of foreign tourists coming to China for shopping [6] - Recent policy changes have made tax refunds for foreign shoppers more accessible, further encouraging spending [6] Group 4: Enhanced Visitor Services - Improvements in visitor services, such as bilingual signage and more foreign currency exchange points, are enhancing the overall experience for foreign tourists [7] - The introduction of detailed service measures, such as indicating food spice levels and allergens in restaurants, reflects China's commitment to providing a welcoming environment for international visitors [7]

Core Insights - The Shanghai International Tourism Trade Fair held from May 27 to 29 showcased a vibrant inbound and outbound tourism market, with over 700 exhibitors from more than 80 countries, marking a 30% increase in scale compared to the previous year [1] - The inbound tourism section from China grew by 63% compared to last year, highlighting the robust development of the Chinese tourism market [1] Group 1: Event Highlights - The fair attracted significant attention with a diverse range of exhibitors, including a notable presence from the Chinese inbound tourism sector [1] - The event featured various cultural displays and technological innovations, such as the "Hu Xiaoyou" smart tourism entity from Shanghai, which engaged visitors interactively [3] - The fair also emphasized the growing interest of international tourists in China, with a focus on cultural experiences and unique travel offerings [6] Group 2: Visitor Statistics - In the first four months of the year, Shanghai received 2.6048 million inbound tourists, a year-on-year increase of 37.1%, with foreign visitors accounting for 2.001 million, up 44.8% [3] - The fair saw a significant increase in participation from international tourism destinations, with European exhibition space expanding by 35%, Middle Eastern and African by 23%, Latin America by 99%, and Asia by 47% [4][6] Group 3: International Engagement - Countries like Malaysia and the UAE reported strong interest from Chinese tourists, with Malaysia receiving over 1.4 million visitors from mainland China in the first four months [6] - The UAE highlighted that over 50% of Chinese tourists visit for cultural experiences, leading to partnerships with Chinese online travel agencies for tailored offerings [6] - Tunisia has also seen increased attention from Chinese tourists, promoting activities like marathons and golf to cater to health-conscious travelers [6]

Group 1 - The recent departure of travel agents marks the gradual restart of the "China Travel" brand post-COVID-19, with a significant "familiarization" trip organized for 24 travel agents from the UK and Ireland to explore Guizhou and Guangxi [1] - The "familiarization" trip is the largest and most comprehensive in recent years, aiming to share experiences from China with European counterparts and the public [1] - The choice of destinations, Guizhou and Guangxi, reflects a strategic effort to redefine "China Travel" through cultural and ecological tourism [1] Group 2 - The UK and Ireland travel agents are part of a broader initiative to lower entry barriers for tourists, with policies like 240-hour visa-free transit and tax refunds being implemented to enhance travel convenience [2] - Europe is viewed as a strategic market due to its high outbound tourism demand and cultural curiosity, with Chinese tourist attractions hoping to attract more European visitors [2] - Despite the UK not being on China's visa-free list, data shows a strong recovery in UK tourist numbers to China, ranking eighth among inbound source countries [2] Group 3 - Airlines are increasing capacity, with Air China and Shenzhen Airlines operating 36 direct flights per week between China and the UK, set to rise to 39 during the summer, surpassing pre-pandemic levels [3] - There is a strong demand for mutual exchanges between the UK and China, indicating a positive trend in travel relations [3] Group 4 - Unique travel destinations are becoming new selling points, with a shift from traditional attractions to local cultural experiences, such as ethnic villages in Guizhou and longevity villages in Guangxi [4] - New tourism products are integrating modern development stories and sustainable practices, aligning with European tourism trends [4] - Travel writers express a desire to share authentic stories about China that go beyond conventional travel guides [4] Group 5 - Challenges remain for inbound tourism, particularly regarding visa processing times and complexities in countries that are not visa-free [5] - Language barriers and service quality are identified as areas needing improvement for better tourist experiences [5]

记者 李宝花 "China Travel"在海外热度飙升，上海也成为众多海外游客踏访中国的首选城市。究竟哪些国家来 沪游客数量显著增长？记者通过对比2024年与2025年一季度上海入境游数据，探寻其中变化。 韩日泰游客居总量前三 免签对入境游市场的推动作用究竟如何？市文旅局统计数据显示，今年一季度，上海入境游人数累 计达174万余人次，较去年同期增加47万余人次，同比增长37.08%。这一增长态势表明，免签政策优化 极大地激发了海外游客来沪旅游的热情。 在主要客源国中，今年一季度韩国来沪游客累计超20万人次，位居榜首，接近去年全年韩国来沪游 客总数的一半；日本和泰国分别以14万余人次和近11万人次紧随其后。从游客增速来看，泰国游客来沪 热情高涨，今年一季度同比增长242.75%，韩国来沪游客同比增长142.37%，印度尼西亚游客同比增长 118.51%，增幅位列第三。 在南京路步行街第一百货商厦6楼，"很久以前羊肉串"依然备受海外游客青睐。店长胡镇江告诉记 者，目前该店的海外顾客中韩国游客占比约65%至70%。为了更好地服务海外游客，店里除原有的两名 专职翻译外，近期又新增4名兼职翻译，高峰时段所有翻译人员全 ...