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 Confirms 30-Day Visa-Free Entry for Canadian and British Nationals
A notice dated 23 February 2026 confirms that China has extended its unilateral 30-day visa-free regime to citizens of Canada and the UK between 17 February and 31 December 2026. The policy removes paperwork for short business and leisure trips, enabling faster corporate travel and signalling Beijing’s commitment to deeper economic engagement with two major G7 partners.
Mutual Visa-Free Travel Gives China–Russia Tourism a Timely Boost
CGTN reports that China and Russia’s mutual visa-free agreement, highlighted on 23 February 2026, has driven a 45 % jump in two-way tourist bookings and is streamlining site visits for companies across energy, forestry and logistics. While infrastructure and payment issues linger, the policy is rapidly turning the Sino-Russian border into one of Asia’s most dynamic mobility corridors.
February 2026 Compliance Update: China Tightens Work-Visa Salary Thresholds and Documentation Rules
A 23 February 2026 blog briefing highlights that Shanghai has increased the Category-A work-visa salary floor to RMB 650,000 and that multiple Chinese cities now require dual authentication (apostille plus embassy legalisation) for foreign documents. While online renewal pilots offer some relief, corporates face higher compliance costs and longer onboarding timelines for expatriate talent.
Visa Waivers Drive Record Foreign Arrivals During China’s ‘Spring Festival of Shopping’
CCTV’s 23 February report shows that China’s enlarged visa-free network and instant tax-refund kiosks fuelled record foreign tourist spending during the 15–23 February Spring Festival. Airports, cultural sites and retailers saw double-digit growth in overseas visitors, underscoring how entry-facilitation measures translate into real economic gains.
China Adds Trains, Planes and High-Tech De-Icing to Manage 18.5 Million Trips on Holiday’s Final Day
CCTV+ footage from 23 February 2026 shows China running 18.5 million rail seats, extra flights and advanced de-icing systems to handle the Spring Festival return peak. The coordinated response, while primarily domestic, ensured smooth onward journeys for thousands of foreign travellers and illustrates the resilience of China’s transport infrastructure for future global events.