🌍 This year, the Chinese mainland's tourism wave has been unstoppable. Thanks to its most open visa policies ever, 2025 has seen record numbers of global visitors eager to explore beyond the usual Instagram spots.
Instead of just ticking off the Forbidden City or snapping selfies at the Bund with Shanghai's glittering skyline as a backdrop, travelers are diving into Beijing's hutongs to sip tea with local families, joining calligraphy workshops in ancient palaces, and wandering through neon-lit speakeasies along the Huangpu River. It's all about the story behind the selfie.
Youthful explorers and digital nomads are leading the charge. Curated "story" itineraries pair must-see landmarks with hands-on experiences—dumpling-making classes in Sichuan villages, street art tours in Chongqing, or night market crawls in Wuhan—to turn every trip into a personal adventure.
Looking ahead, the momentum shows no sign of slowing. With more airline routes and online visa tools on the way, 2026 is shaping up to be another epic chapter for the Chinese mainland's travel scene. Ready to punch your ticket?
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
