China welcomed nearly 23 million international visitors during the first half of 2026, with Vietnam ranking as its fourth-largest source market, according to newly released official data.
Chongqing is a favoured destination for many travellers visiting China (Photo: Ngoc Cham).
The National Immigration Administration (NIA) said China recorded a record 369 million cross-border trips during the first six months of the year, up 10.8 per cent from the same period in 2025.
International arrivals reached 22.91 million, an increase of 20.4 per cent, reflecting the continued recovery and expansion of China's inbound tourism sector.
Of those arrivals, 17.82 million foreign visitors entered China under visa-free arrangements, accounting for 77.7 per cent of all foreign arrivals and marking a 30.6 per cent increase from a year earlier.
According to the NIA, the 10 largest source markets for inbound visitors during the first half of 2026 were South Korea, Russia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, the United States, Japan, Mongolia and Australia.
The growth comes as China continues to ease its entry policies. Since June 17, Vietnamese citizens applying for tourist visas independently have no longer been required to provide proof of a minimum VND 50 million (USD 1,910) bank balance, simplifying the visa application process.
Vietnamese travellers queue at a border gate before entering China for holidays during the April 30 break this year (Photo: supplied).
Vietnamese travel companies attribute China's growing appeal to its proximity, competitive tour prices, easier visa procedures, extensive flight network and wide range of destinations, from ancient towns and cultural heritage sites to modern cities.
According to Nguyen Tien Dat, chief executive of AZA Travel, which has organised tours to China for nearly 20 years, Vietnamese travellers continue to favour itineraries such as Beijing-the Great Wall-the Forbidden City; Shanghai-Hangzhou-Suzhou; Zhangjiajie-Fenghuang Ancient Town; Kunming-Dali-Lijiang; Yunnan-Honghe Prefecture; as well as premium tours to Xinjiang and Tibet.
"The diversity of landscapes, rich cultural and historical heritage, and a wide range of price points give Vietnamese travellers many options when visiting China," Dat said.
A Hanoi-based travel company specialising in China tours said one of the market's greatest strengths is its broad pricing range.
Budget-conscious travellers can join overland tours via border crossings to Yunnan or Honghe Prefecture for around VND 4-7 million (USD 153-267).
Mid-range air tours to destinations such as Guilin and Zhangjiajie-Fenghuang Ancient Town typically cost between VND 7 million and VND 15 million (USD 267-573), while premium itineraries to Xinjiang and Tibet start from VND 45 million (USD 1,719), depending on the season.
Diverse cuisine is one reason Vietnamese travellers are drawn to China (Photo: Pham Hong Hanh).
Travel operators say China is no longer seen solely as an affordable destination for short breaks, but is increasingly attracting a broad spectrum of Vietnamese travellers, from budget tourists to those seeking high-end travel experiences.