An upbeat Xinhua feature published on 21 February captures a growing trend: foreign tourists are choosing to spend the Lunar New Year inside China—shopping for “guochao” (China-chic) merchandise and immersing themselves in temple fairs—thanks to easier entry rules and more foreign-friendly payment options. The National Immigration Administration (NIA) forecast that average daily border traffic during the nine-day holiday would exceed 2.05 million, up 14 percent year-on-year, with 28.5 percent of foreign arrivals entering visa-free. Crucially, the report also revealed that 11 government agencies, led by the Cyberspace Administration and the National Development and Reform Commission, issued a joint circular in early February instructing ministries to “significantly enhance the internationalisation and convenience of inbound digital services by 2027.” Measures include multilingual e-gate kiosks at major airports, QR-code customs declarations and the integration of UnionPay, Mastercard and major overseas e-wallets into Alipay and WeChat Pay before the 2027 Asian Winter Games.
![Visa-Free Shoppers Flock to China as Agencies Pledge Fully Digital Entry Services by 2027]()
For travelers and businesses looking to take advantage of these streamlined entry procedures, VisaHQ can simplify the paperwork side of a China trip. Its online platform (https://www.visahq.com/china/) monitors the latest policy shifts, pre-screens documents and submits visa applications on behalf of clients, helping holiday-makers and executives alike determine whether they qualify for visa-free entry or need a traditional visa—so they can focus on their itineraries instead of red tape.
Retailers are already reaping rewards. China Taxation Administration data show a 305 percent year-on-year jump in duty-free refund transactions in 2025, and analysts expect the 2026 figure to be higher once Spring-Festival numbers are tallied. International brands from Finland’s Marimekko to Brazil’s Havaianas launched limited-edition New Year collections exclusively in mainland stores, betting that visa-free shoppers will treat retail as part of the cultural experience. For global-mobility planners the message is clear: China’s consumer environment is becoming easier to navigate for expatriates and visiting executives. Companies organising short-lead client visits can now rely on foreigners being able to pay with their home-country credit cards or e-wallets, reducing the need for advance cash or local bank accounts. The planned 2027 digital-entry overhaul should further shorten arrival formalities, making China one of the most seamless large markets for business travel.
For travelers and businesses looking to take advantage of these streamlined entry procedures, VisaHQ can simplify the paperwork side of a China trip. Its online platform (https://www.visahq.com/china/) monitors the latest policy shifts, pre-screens documents and submits visa applications on behalf of clients, helping holiday-makers and executives alike determine whether they qualify for visa-free entry or need a traditional visa—so they can focus on their itineraries instead of red tape.
Retailers are already reaping rewards. China Taxation Administration data show a 305 percent year-on-year jump in duty-free refund transactions in 2025, and analysts expect the 2026 figure to be higher once Spring-Festival numbers are tallied. International brands from Finland’s Marimekko to Brazil’s Havaianas launched limited-edition New Year collections exclusively in mainland stores, betting that visa-free shoppers will treat retail as part of the cultural experience. For global-mobility planners the message is clear: China’s consumer environment is becoming easier to navigate for expatriates and visiting executives. Companies organising short-lead client visits can now rely on foreigners being able to pay with their home-country credit cards or e-wallets, reducing the need for advance cash or local bank accounts. The planned 2027 digital-entry overhaul should further shorten arrival formalities, making China one of the most seamless large markets for business travel.
