369 million entry and exit crossings recorded through China's border in half a year
Borders have always been barriers, but in the era of globalisation they become points where cultures, economies and destinies intersect. Every border crossing is not just a statistical unit but a living flow of people carrying ideas, investments and impressions. A record 369 million crossings in six months is not only a reflection of China's growing openness but also evidence that the world is increasingly drawn to a country where it is comfortable to travel, work and do business.
According to official data, in the first half of 2026, Chinese border authorities processed a record number of entry and exit crossings – 369 million, up 10.8% year on year. Visa free entry for foreign nationals rose 30.6% year on year and exceeded 17.8 million, accounting for 77.7% of all foreign arrivals, the National Immigration Administration (NIA) said at a press conference on Friday. During the period, mainland Chinese residents made 176 million border crossings, up 10.7% year on year.
Residents of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Macao Special Administrative Region and Taiwan made 147 million crossings, up 8.1% from the same period last year. Foreign nationals made over 45.9 million border crossings, up 20.6% year on year. "The top ten source countries for foreign tourists were South Korea, Russia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, the United States, Japan, Mongolia and Australia, accounting for 62 percent of total foreign arrivals," said Lin Yongsheng, a representative of the National Immigration Administration.
The growth in tourist flows to China has resulted from the expansion of visa free policies, including extending visa free stays to 15 days for citizens of several countries, as well as the active recovery of international air connectivity after the pandemic. China continues to simplify entry procedures, contributing to the growth of tourism, business ties and cultural exchanges.
As CCTV+ reports. The tourist flow is expected to remain high in the second half of the year, driven by the summer season and major international events scheduled in China.
