As China continues to expand its visa-free policy, more and more foreign tourists are including China in their travel destinations. A recent Bloomberg report stated that convenient visa policies, abundant cuisine, affordable accommodations, and the growing popularity of Chinese cities and technological experiences on social media are attracting a new wave of overseas tourists to China.

▲Screenshot of Bloomberg report

Driverless taxis and futuristic cityscapes are becoming new windows for many overseas tourists to understand China. The report specifically mentions that Chongqing, with its unique urban landscape and night view, is seen by many foreign netizens on social media as a city with a "cyberpunk" feel, and these videos have further fueled overseas tourists' curiosity about China.

A tourist from the UK, traveling with her husband and daughter, planned to visit the aquarium and the Bund, among other places. She said that China's tourist attractions are "very beautiful," and the visa-free policy makes traveling to China much more convenient.

▲ Bloomberg cited data showing that inbound tourism to China continues to rise. The chart shows the growth rate of tourist numbers from different countries from 2019 to 2026.

Bloomberg, citing data, reported that approximately 35 million foreign tourists visited China last year, making it one of Asia's top tourist destinations. In the first half of 2026, the total number of foreign tourists is expected to increase by more than 20% year-on-year, with approximately 18 million of them entering visa-free.

The report suggests that visa-free entry policies are one of the reasons why foreign tourists are increasingly flocking to China. Currently, China has expanded its visa-free policy to include 50 countries, including the UK.

Bloomberg argues that the continued influx of foreign tourists into China, amid growing competition for international influence, is undoubtedly a "victory for China's soft power." The report also cites a Pew Research Center survey indicating that by 2025, favorability toward China in several countries will reach its highest level on record.

(Source: CCTV News)