Thursday, January 23, 2025 Shanghai shatters tourism records with 7M visitors in 2024, fueled by relaxed visa rules and China travel frenzy Shanghai Welcomed Over 6.7 Million Inbound Tourists in 2024, Marking an 84% Growth Fueled by Relaxed Visa Policies Shanghai saw an impressive 6.7 million inbound tourist visits in 2024, reflecting a remarkable 84% surge compared to the previous year, as confirmed by the city’s tourism authorities.
This growth was significantly driven by China’s relaxed visa policies. The city’s overnight stays surpassed 6 million during the year, showing an over 80% increase from 2023. Notably, the number of international travelers more than doubled, reaching nearly 4.
8 million, according to data released by the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism. One standout statistic was the arrival of over 300,000 visitors from Thailand, representing an extraordinary 300% year-on-year growth. The rapid recovery in inbound tourism can largely be credited to the progressive refinement of China’s visa-free policies.
Currently, the country has mutual visa exemption agreements with 25 nations, unilateral visa-free arrangements for 38 countries, and transit visa-free policies for travelers from 54 countries. Adding to the allure of “China Travel,” which has gained immense traction since last year, Shanghai’s iconic attractions have gone viral on international social media, capturing the attention of travelers worldwide..
