BEIJING, Oct. 8 -- The 2026 National Day holiday once again drew global attention to China through large-scale travel and consumption. Data released by the Ministry of Transport on Oct. 8 showed 2.14 billion cross-region passenger trips nationwide during the holiday.
Tax data showed vigorous service consumption, with average daily sales revenue in related industries up 19.5 percent year on year.
The bustling holiday market not only demonstrated China's economic vitality but also painted a vivid picture of opening up. During this year's holiday, explosive growth in inbound tourism became a media focus: a more open, tech-rich and lively China is becoming a sought-after destination for global travelers.
Data from the National Immigration Administration showed border inspection authorities handled 15.462 million inbound and outbound trips during the holiday, averaging 2.209 million per day.
As large numbers of Chinese tourists traveled abroad, more international travelers explored China's landscapes, lifestyles and local brands. The "China Haul" trend -- unboxing purchases made in China -- spread widely on overseas social platforms, with users sharing what they bought while traveling in China.
The appeal has concrete scenes. Tennis star Novak Djokovic, in Beijing for the China Open, tried Chinese calligraphy and martial arts while touring the Summer Palace and stamped fans' souvenirs with a traditional Chinese seal instead of a signature. Shenzhen's Huaqiangbei electronics district became a pilgrimage site for overseas tech hunters.
"I'm particularly interested in the electric bikes and all kinds of flying devices here. I'm going to tell my friends to come -- Huaqiangbei is full of cutting-edge tech products," said American tourist Brian Lamotte-Aris.
Industry players told China Daily that continued optimization of entry facilitation policies and seamlessly connected digital infrastructure are the core drivers of the inbound boom. "Visa-free policies fundamentally lower the planning threshold for overseas travelers," said Feng Han, vice president of Trip.com Group.
Oliver Sedlinger, a China tourism market expert and founder of Sedlinger & Associates, said visa-free policies are good news for global tourism, leading many travelers to see China as a leisure destination for the first time and giving the country huge potential to turn first-time visitors into repeat visitors.
International visitors who have experienced China in person naturally become storytellers when they return home, creating broad word-of-mouth effects that help break down information gaps.
