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Chinese tourists

Chinese tourists
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Chinese tourists. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
If confirmed, the visa waiver would simplify travel for Chinese visitors to Brazil and could accelerate arrivals to destinations such as Iguazu Falls. Photo: Handout
China-Latin America relations

Brazil weighs visa-free entry for Chinese tourists and business travellers

Brazil saw nearly 80 per cent growth in Chinese tourists in 2024 and would join only two neighbours offering visa-free entry.

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China consumption

Hard work, long hours fuelled China’s rise. Now, it weighs longer breaks

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China-Japan relations

China-Japan tension hits holiday travel as flights cancelled on 46 routes

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Thailand

Thailand’s tourism crown slips as troubles in paradise mount

Border clashes with Cambodia, fierce competition from Malaysia, deadly floods and a strong baht threaten the kingdom’s holiday appeal.

Illustration: Huy Truong
The Philippines

Philippines struggles to win back Chinese tourists as regional rivals surge

New data shows Chinese arrivals to the Philippines hit 312,000 last year, only 18 per cent of pre-pandemic levels.

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Trending in China

China tourist in Japan sends 300 masks during Covid to host after overnight stay

Against backdrop of ongoing political tensions between the two countries, this heartwarming story quickly went viral on social media.

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China-Japan relations

Chinese tourist arrivals to Japan lose momentum amid tensions: official data

Mainland visitor numbers rose just 3% in November after flight cuts and travel warnings took effect as diplomatic strains escalated.

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Mainland Chinese tourists visit Sensoji temple in the Asakusa district of Tokyo on Thursday Photo: AP
Hong Kong property

Kai Tak Stadium lifts Hong Kong’s status as major sports and entertainment venue

The 50,000-seat stadium drives repeat tourism, supports retailers and helps prop up retail property landlords, experts say.

China travel

Why South Korea is becoming China’s new bargain travel hotspot amid Japan spat

A slump in the won is making South Korea increasingly affordable for mainland tourists just as China warns against travel to Japan.

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Mainland China

China-led Asia-Pacific lifts global aviation outlook as profits set to soar

Passenger demand from China and India, eased visa rules and freight resilience drive growth as IATA forecasts record airline profits in 2026.

China and India will lead regional growth, fuelled by a rebound in tourism and the expanding middle classes, says IATA. Photo: Xinhua
Hong Kong society

Hong Kong tourist arrested in Japan after crashing rental car, injuring driver

Hong Kong’s Immigration Department says it has received a request for help regarding the case.

A Japanese driver was injured in the crash but the Hong Kong man and his three passengers were unhurt. Photo: HTB Hokkaido News
United States

US plans to order foreign tourists to disclose social media histories

The move requires tourists from 42 nations to share five-year social media history, igniting privacy debates and free speech worries.

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Malaysia

Chinese tourist’s Penang panda mural that drew criticism turns crowd-puller

Local officials review an application to keep the unauthorised artwork at Chew Jetty intact after ordering the painting to be removed.

South Korea

Chinese tourists pivot to South Korea, Thailand amid Japan travel ban

Spat began when Japan’s PM Sanae Takaichi suggested potential military intervention in Taiwan Strait, leading Beijing to issue a travel warning.

An alley crowded with tourists in central Seoul’s Bukchon Hanok Village. Photo: Korea Times
Malaysia

Penang set to scoop up Chinese tourists skipping Japan, Thailand’s Hat Yai

Penang anticipates a surge in year-end visitors, with events and food-driven itineraries boosting hotel bookings.

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Tourists visit George Town in Malaysia’s Penang state. Photo: Shutterstock
China travel

1,900 China-Japan flights cancelled in December as political row continues

Airlines have now scrapped over 40 per cent of their China-Japan flights scheduled for this month amid a diplomatic spat over Taiwan.

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China trade

From immigration to investments: China’s middle class is unwinding bets on Japan

Popular destination for capital feels the chill, with cruise lines cancelling trips, investors selling property and parents questioning if it is safe to send students.

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Singapore

Singapore becomes Plan B for Chinese travellers giving Japan a wide berth

Beijing’s call to boycott Japan after Sanae Takaichi’s remarks is benefiting Southeast Asian countries, travel agents say.

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Tourists take photos with the Merlion statue in Singapore. Chinese visitors say the city state is an “easy and comfortable” travel destination. Photo: Reuters
Japan

Opinion | Why Chinese are cancelling their trips to Japan

The Japanese prime minister crossed a red line and reopened old wounds in employing language that echoed rhetoric used by imperial Japan to justify invasion.

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China travel

Chinese tourism to Russia soars as travellers pivot from under-fire Japan

Chinese travel firms have seen a surge in Russia-related bookings in recent weeks, as tourists continue to avoid Japan amid a diplomatic row.

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Thailand

Thailand to curb repeat visa-free entries amid rise in scams, illegal work

Around 2,900 foreigners have been barred by Thailand so far this year due to their multiple short-term entries.

Tourists visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a major tourist destination in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand. Photo: Reuters
Trending in China

Italian eatery owner slammed for insulting 16 Taiwan tourists for sharing 5 pizzas

An Italian chef tells media that one reason for owner’s irritation might be because it is common for customers to order one pizza per person.

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An Italian restaurant owner faced backlash after verbally abusing 16 Taiwanese tourists for only ordering five pizzas. Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock/X.com
China-Japan relations

What economic cards will China play with Japan? Analysts see dilemma in the row

Beijing seen balancing need to retaliate against Tokyo with risk of alienating foreign investors; experts expect cautious strategy.

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China travel

Chinese airlines cancel flights on 12 Japan routes as tensions continue to rise

The carriers had already received refund requests for hundreds of thousands of flight bookings to Japan amid a growing diplomatic row.

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Japan

The View | Takaichi’s nationalism and fiscal stimulus test Japan’s property market

Despite market pressures, cost-of-living concerns and the diplomatic row with China, other factors have a strong bearing on the nation’s real estate.

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Chinese tourists wheel suitcases through the Ginza shopping district of Tokyo on November 19. China’s Foreign Ministry and its embassy in Japan have advised Chinese citizens against future travel to Japan following recent remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi concerning Taiwan. Photo: EPA
Asia travel

Chinese cruise ship to Japan diverts to South Korea amid China-Japan spat

Chinese cruise operators are looking to avoid Japanese ports amid rising tensions, which is expected to spur tourism demand for South Korea.

Adora Cruises’ Adora Magic City is pictured in Shanghai in 2024. The Chinese cruise ship has changed its schedule for December to avoid stopping at the Japanese ports of Fukuoka, Sasebo and Nagasaki as planned, according to a notice posted on the government website of South Korea’s Jeju province. Photo: Future Publishing via Getty Images
Indonesia

Bali hostel poisoning mystery deepens after Chinese traveller’s death

Officials have yet to declare a cause of death, with evidence of both food and fumigation poisoning adding to the uncertainty.

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China travel

Snowcapped prosperity: China’s winter sports market glides upwards

Growing participation and government support are fuelling innovation in equipment, expanding domestic resorts, and creating new jobs in China’s ice and snow economy.

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