The just-ended May Day holiday, observed as a public holiday in many countries, brought a travel boom to China. The 2026 May Day break saw robust momentum not only in domestic travel but also marked a remarkable surge in inbound tourism arrivals. Official statistics show that a total of 1.25 million international visitors traveled across China from May 1 to 5, representing a year-on-year increase of 12.5%. Rather than sticking to pure sightseeing, modern international travelers prefer venturing into hidden urban corners to discover an authentic side of Chinese life and culture.
  In terms of travel popularity, iconic metropolises including Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou and Shenzhen continued to lead the preference list among international tourists this May Day hoiday. Along Shanghai’s Bund and Wukang Road, foreign visitors can be seen everywhere, strolling with coffee in hand and posing for photos amid century-old Western-style architecture. At Beijing’s Great Wall, numerous travelers embrace the challenge of hiking the landmark wonder. Guangzhou has evolved into a haven for culinary enthusiasts, with long lines of international food lovers lining up from morning tea venues all the way to late-night street food stalls.

The Great Wall of Beijing during the holidays

The Bund, Shanghai

What stands out notably is the rapid rise of China’s new wave of internet-famous cities. Chengdu Giant Panda Base unsurprisingly dominates the popularity rankings, drawing visitors from across the globe who travel thousands of miles just to catch a glimpse of celebrity giant pandas Hua Hua and Meng Lan. Chongqing’s surreal 8D layered landscape has gone viral across overseas short-video platforms. Additionally, Xi’an’s Terracotta Army, the breathtaking precipitous peaks of Zhangjiajie, as well as Kunming and Hangzhou, have all secured top spots on the most sought-after travel list. Zhangjiajie in particular sees an exceptionally high number of Korean tourists, to the point where local street vendors can conduct basic conversations in Korean.

Chengdu Giant Panda Base

Tourists Watching Giant Pandas

  The flourishing growth of inbound tourism is far from coincidental. The most immediate catalyst lies in China’s increasingly relaxed visa policies, with visitors from 77 countries now eligible for visa-free entry. Furthermore, long-standing barriers in cross-border payment and internet access have been effectively dismantled. International credit cards can now be bound to Alipay and WeChat Pay, enabling cross-border QR code payments at scenic sites, hotels and even roadside stalls. Shopping tax refund procedures have also been streamlined for greater convenience and efficiency. Social media virality serves as another indispensable driving force; the hashtag #ChinaTravel has amassed over 10 billion views across TikTok and YouTube.
  Food-related spending has registered a marked uptick among international travelers. Many fly directly to Chongqing solely to savor authentic local hot pot, or queue for hours in Beijing to try Peking duck. The demand for distinctive boutique accommodation has also soared. Unique options such as local folk inns in Suzhou, overnight stays in Fujian Tulou earthen roundhouses, and rural retreats in Moganshan are now favored over conventional chain five-star hotels.

Spending on cultural immersion experiences has also skyrocketed. Hanfu costume studios now see growing numbers of foreign visitors dressed as ancient princesses and wandering knights. Spending an afternoon crafting pottery in Jingdezhen or learning to roast Longjing tea in Hangzhou has emerged as a trendy new travel pastime.

Delicious Peking Duck

Fujian Tulou

  Time-honored classic itineraries - the Great Wall, the Forbidden City and the Terracotta Army - remain timeless must-visit landmarks. In addition, exploring cities through an authentic local lens has grown increasingly prevalent. “City Walks” and “Food Tours” have become the most mainstream way to explore. International travelers enjoy browsing local fresh markets to learn about regional produce, playing chess with elderly residents, and learning traditional culinary crafts from local chefs - from making Chinese hamburger‌ in Xi’an to joining neighborhood square dance gatherings.

Practicing Tai Chi with the Locals

Local Fresh Market in Xi'an

 

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