Guangzhou reports sharp rise in inbound foreign tourism, driven by visa-free entry and cultural appeal

According to statistics, from January 1st to May 22nd, 2025, more than 480,000 foreign nationals entered China visa-free through GuangzhouBaiyun International Airport, a year-on-year increase of 141%. The total number of inbound and outbound foreign travelers exceeded 2.23 million, up 42% year on year. Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, South Korea, Australia, and Singapore remained the main source countries of overseas visitors.

In the first quarter of 2025, Guangzhoureceived 1.187 million inbound overnight tourists, up 11.7% year on year. Among them, the number of overnight foreign visitors to Guangzhoureached 498,000, marking a 31.0% increase.

To enhance the experience for inbound travelers, Baiyun International Airport has fully upgraded its 240-hour visa-free transit policy. Since the beginning of the year, the airport has added or resumed six regular international passenger routes, introduced two new international airlines, and expanded to two more global destinations, further strengthening its international route network.
 

Cultural landmarks such as the new GuangzhouCultural Center and the new GuangzhouArt Museum have become popular check-in spots among inbound tourists. The cultural brand "GuangzhouGift" turns the city's culinary charm into tangible cultural keepsakes with souvenirs like Cantonese dim sum and Canton porcelain.

From May 15th to 17th, the 33rd GuangzhouInternational Travel Fair was held at the Canton Fair Complex in Pazhou, attracting over 1,000 tourism destinations and organizations from 55 countries and regions, further reinforcing Guangzhou'sposition in the global tourism market.

Guangzhouwill also work to improve its tax refund services for departing travelers, promote the effective implementation of the "immediate tax refund upon purchase" policy, optimize the layout of tax refund shops, and expand the range of eligible products to boost shopping consumption among foreign tourists.

Source: GuangzhouForeign Affairs Office, People's Daily, Yangcheng Evening News