China Travel Enhances Spring Festival for International Visitors

The 2026 Spring Festival has led to an unprecedented surge in Russian tourists visiting China, with a remarkable 471 percent increase driven by enhanced visa policies and a rich tapestry of cultural experiences. This substantial rise underscores China's appeal among global travelers, particularly during its most celebrated traditional holiday.

The allure of China as a travel destination was notably magnified as visitors not only embarked on journeys but also forged deep connections with the country’s ancient civilization during its most vibrant moments. The Spring Festival serves as a unique opportunity for international tourists to immerse themselves in these heartfelt celebrations.

On Chinese New Year's Eve, three flights from Russia landed in Sanya, situated in the scenic Hainan Province, contributing to the arrival of over 570 international visitors. At immigration checkpoints, travelers experienced efficient processing, reflecting the country’s commitment to welcoming tourists with a smile.

The influx of foreign tourists spans from Hainan in the south to Heilongjiang in the north, as travelers increasingly choose to visit China during this festive period—not merely to see the stunning sights but also to partake in the local celebrations.

In Shanghai, international visitors have the opportunity to engage in specially curated Spring Festival city walks. During these excursions, they can practice traditional calligraphy, don traditional attire, and learn the art of making local wontons.

Grace Schenkel, a traveler from the United States, expressed her excitement to reconnect with her roots in Shanghai. She shared her enthusiasm about making dumplings, eager to document the culinary experience to share with her grandfather.

Foshan, known for its martial arts heritage and delectable Cantonese cuisine, has similarly attracted a significant number of international tourists, many of whom booked restaurants for New Year's Eve dinners well in advance to celebrate the lively holiday atmosphere.

Travel agencies in Jiaxing, a city in Zhejiang Province, reported a 20 percent increase in bookings for foreign language guides compared to the previous year, reflecting the growing interest in Chinese cultural experiences among international visitors.

Local authorities have further enhanced travel experiences by introducing new routes that connect major attractions, allowing visitors to enjoy the mesmerizing charm of water towns while engaging in local handicrafts and sampling traditional delicacies.

Significantly, UNESCO recognized the Spring Festival in late 2024 by adding it to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, highlighting the cultural richness and universal relevance of the festival.

The National Immigration Administration forecasted that an average of 2.05 million travelers would cross borders daily during the holiday, indicating a 14.1 percent increase from the previous year. Meanwhile, leading platforms like Ctrip have reported substantial rises in international bookings, especially from Malaysia, South Korea, Singapore, Japan, and Russia.

Furthermore, Qunar revealed a 20 percent year-on-year increase in domestic flight bookings made by non-Chinese passport holders, covering travel to 102 cities nationwide. This growth aligns with China’s strategic vision to bolster its tourism sector, enhancing accessibility for overseas travelers over the 2026-2030 development period.