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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.
Customers shop for skincare products at a duty-free shopping mall in China’s southern Hainan province. China has opened up to more duty-free retail in recent years, reducing the need for Chinese tourists to splash out while abroad. Photo: Getty Images
China travel

‘Structurally hurt’: why are Chinese tourists spending less abroad than before?

China’s outbound travel sector has bounced back from the pandemic, but the era of duty-free shopping sprees appears to be over.

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China travel

China’s outbound travel set to soar by 10 million trips – but halve in Japan

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Hong Kong transport

Hong Kong to offer direct high-speed rail access to 16 more mainland Chinese stops

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International Property

Heightened tensions with China rattle Japan’s property market: analysts

Bilateral friction is expected to impact assets tied to tourism, including hotels and high-street retail shops, CBRE’s Chinatsu Hani says.

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Office and residential buildings seen from an observation deck at the Shinjuku business district in Tokyo, Japan. Photo: EPA-EFE
Malaysia

Chinese tourist accused of harassing turtle, killing sea slugs in Malaysia

A fellow visitor from China called out the man’s actions during a dive in Sabah state’s Semporna.

Vietnam

Vietnam overtakes Thailand as Chinese tourists' top choice for travel

Chinese visitors to Vietnam jumped 41 per cent to 5.3 million, topping the 4.5 million to Thailand, where safety concerns reduced Chinese travellers.

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Trending in China

China ski resort’s US$700 birthday service, instructors carry women down slope

Backers of ‘tacky’ on-piste activity say it offers guests ‘emotional value’; detractors say ‘close physical contact’ blurs boundaries.

A ski resort in China is offering a unique birthday package in which women guests pay US$700 for a ski instructor to carry them down the slope. Photo: RedNote
Malaysia

‘Warm hospitality’: Chinese tourists eye return trips for Visit Malaysia 2026

Sabah’s natural beauty and events linked to the tourism drive entice travellers as the Malaysian state aims for 4 million arrivals.

China travel

China’s service sector shines as holidaymakers eye bespoke adventures with pets

While broader consumption remains soft, demand for personalised itineraries and snow sports is growing, offering a boost to the holiday economy.

Mainland China

Why Air France-KLM remains bullish on China-Europe travel market despite hurdles

Chinese travellers drive leisure and business bookings as airline eyes long-term growth despite Russian airspace restrictions.

“I’m optimistic about the future prospects,” says Steven van Wijk of Air France-KLM.
Tourism

China’s Gen Z consumers drive rise in homestay bookings to ring in the new year

Gen Z travellers made up more than 50 per cent of total homestay bookings for the 2026 New Year’s holiday period.

Bookings for stand-alone villas during the 2026 New Year’s holiday period have surged, according to Tujia. Photo: Shutterstock
US-China relations

Open Questions | How new C100 chief plans to foster ties between Chinese-Americans and China

The Committee of 100’s president Paul Cheung has high hopes for Chinese-Americans’ relationship with China in these uncertain times.

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Hong Kong

Video | Mainland Chinese drivers hit bumps navigating Hong Kong roads

Videos and pictures are being circulated of drivers from mainland China allegedly using inappropriate driving manners and vehicle modifications in Hong Kong.

China consumption

China’s Hainan hosts duty-free shopping spree under new customs regime

A flurry of activity accompanied the official establishment of the island’s tariff and tax exemptions - but will the frenzy last?

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The Haikou International Duty Free Shopping Complex in Haikou, capital of Hainan province. Photo: Xinhua
Hong Kong tourism

Video | Fares rise for Hong Kong Peak Tram

Return fares now cost HK$116 (US$15) for adults and HK$75 for children and the elderly.

Fares rise for Hong Kong Peak Tram
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Aerospace: Geopolitics

Why are rich Chinese moving private jets offshore, slumming it in budget seats?

Strict flight rules and economic headwinds are forcing scrutiny-wary tycoons to rebase aircraft in places such as Singapore or downgrade to commercial cabins.

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Hong Kong tourism

Hong Kong records 10% rise in festive period visitors as outbound trips surge 22%

Despite increase in tourists, merchants warn absence of New Year fireworks may impact visitor numbers and, in turn, the retail sector.

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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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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 consumption

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

China, one of the world’s hardest-working countries, is adopting incentives to increase time off – and potentially boost consumer spending.

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China-Japan relations

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

All cancelled flights are operated by Chinese carriers and involve most of the country’s major airlines.

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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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Chinese tourists from Beijing enjoying Cambugahay waterfalls in Siquijor, Central Visaya, Philippines. Photo: SCMP / James Wendlinger
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.

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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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.

An aerial view of Kai Tak Stadium. Photo: Eugene Lee
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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A large crowd of tourists walks through a street in Seoul. South Korea is expected to receive an uptick in Chinese tourism over the coming months. Photo: Reuters
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.

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.

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