China logs 17.8 million cross-border trips over Spring Festival break
Hong Kong welcomes 1.77 million visitors during Mainland Golden Week
Macau counts 1.55 million visitors as Chinese New Year tourism beats expectations
Latest News
Railway operator adds 2,300 trains to handle record post-holiday return rush
China’s rail network handled an estimated 18.5 million journeys on 23 February, prompting the addition of more than 2,000 extra trains along key business corridors. The unprecedented scale-up demonstrates improving domestic connectivity critical for business travellers and assignees moving between Chinese cities.
CCP tightens overseas-travel approval for lower-ranking retired officials
Sources across several provinces say China has broadened exit-approval rules to cover lower-ranking retired officials, requiring Party sign-off before they can leave the country. Although aimed at state personnel, the move may indirectly slow joint ventures that rely on former officials for international engagements.
Chinese Visa Centre in Busan to close on 2 March, applicants urged to file early
The Chinese Visa Application Service Center in Busan will close on 2 March 2026, with collection dates automatically deferred. Mobility teams moving personnel through South Korea should build in buffer time next week to avoid missed deployment or rotation schedules.
China Adds UK and Canada to 30-Day Visa-Free List, Bringing Total to 50 Countries
China has extended its 30-day visa-free entry programme to ordinary passport holders from the UK and Canada, lifting the total number of eligible countries to 50. The policy, officially announced on 23 February 2026, streamlines short-term travel for tourism and business and is expected to boost air capacity and bilateral trade. Employers gain new flexibility to dispatch staff quickly, but tax and work-permit rules still apply.
Spring Festival Sees Record Mainland–Hong Kong–Macao Passenger Flows
Passenger volumes between mainland China and Hong Kong/Macao hit a post-pandemic record during the Spring Festival, with West Kowloon Station handling 270,000 travellers on 22 February alone. Faster clearance technology and closer Greater Bay Area integration are fuelling a rebound in same-day business trips and retail spending.
Seoul Chinese Visa Centre to Close on 2 March, Causing Temporary Processing Delays
China’s Visa Application Service Centre in Seoul will be closed on 2 March 2026 for a holiday, shifting passport-collection dates and likely causing a processing backlog in the following week. Firms should factor an extra buffer into travel plans and pre-book submission slots to avoid delays.