Visa-free entries jump 35.8 % as China logs 6.61 million cross-border trips over New Year
Inbound tourism boom: China’s New Year holiday sees record foreign spend and mobility
People-to-people exchanges with South Korea accelerate on back of China’s visa-free policy
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South Korean President’s Beijing visit puts mobility and tourism cooperation on the agenda
President Lee Jae-myung’s state visit to China includes high-level talks on expanding flight capacity and introducing new travel-facilitation measures. Any agreement could slash lead times for corporate travel and technical assignments between Asia’s two biggest manufacturing hubs.
China’s Transport System Handles Record 207 Million Trips on First Day of 2026 New-Year Holiday
China moved an unprecedented 207 million passengers on 1 January 2026, the opening day of the New-Year holiday, with rail travel up nearly 68 percent year-on-year. The surge confirms that domestic mobility has fully rebounded and will intensify competition for transport and lodging during peak periods—key considerations for corporate-travel planners.
Greek Visa Application Centres Close Across China, Forcing Applicants to Apply Directly at Diplomatic Missions
Global Visa Center World has closed all 15 Greek Visa Application Centres in mainland China, meaning Schengen-visa applicants must now apply directly at Greek embassies or consulates. The switch adds two-to-three weeks to processing and requires additional trip planning for business travellers.
China’s Immigration Agency Expects 2.1 Million Daily Border Crossings During New-Year Weekend
China’s National Immigration Administration forecasts 2.1 million daily cross-border movements during the 1–3 January holiday, with the Greater Bay Area ports handling the lion’s share. Authorities have opened extra e-gates and redeployed staff to keep clearance times manageable—critical information for corporate travellers.
Short-Distance Getaways Dominate China’s New-Year Tourism Boom
Data from online-travel agencies show that short-distance rail and road trips dominated China’s 2026 New-Year holiday, with total journeys up 21 percent and rail passengers rising 65 percent. The trend toward nearby, experience-rich travel has implications for corporate lodging demand and carbon-footprint strategies.