Chengdu Tourism Surges with New Looser Visa Policies

Key Takeaways

• China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy launched December 17, 2024, now includes 55 eligible countries including Indonesia since June 2025.
• Chengdu saw a 56.6% rise in foreign entries during the 2025 Spring Festival; 46.7% entered visa-free.
• Unilateral visa-free entry allows visitors from Bulgaria, Romania, and Japan up to 30-day stays without a visa in China.

Chengdu is seeing a sharp rise in international tourism and cultural exchange as China’s new visa policy changes take effect. Since December 2024, the city has welcomed more foreign visitors, with many taking advantage of the expanded visa-free transit and entry options. These changes are not only boosting Chengdu’s tourism industry but also helping the city become a key destination for global travelers.

China’s New Visa Policy: What’s Changed and Why It Matters

In late 2024, China introduced a major update to its visa policy, making it easier for people from 55 countries to visit without a visa for short stays. The most important change is the 240-hour visa-free transit policy, which lets eligible travelers stay in certain areas, including Chengdu, for up to 10 days if they are passing through on their way to a third country. This policy started on December 17, 2024, and was expanded in June 2025 to include Indonesia, bringing the total number of eligible countries to 55.

Along with this, China has also added more countries to its unilateral visa-free entry list. Citizens from places like Bulgaria, Romania, and Japan can now enter China without a visa and stay for up to 30 days. These changes are part of a larger effort to make China more open and welcoming to the world, especially after the travel slowdowns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

How The new visa policy Works

The new visa policy is designed to be simple and convenient for travelers. Here’s how it works:

• Eligibility: You must be a citizen of one of the 55 eligible countries. The full list is available on the National Immigration Administration’s official website.
• Transit Requirement: For the 240-hour visa-free transit, you need to have a confirmed ticket to a third country (not your home country or the country you just came from).
• Entry Points: You can enter through any of the 60 designated ports across 24 provinces, including Chengdu’s main airport.
• Stay Duration: You can stay in the designated area for up to 240 hours (10 days).
• Permitted Activities: You can travel for tourism, business, exchange visits, or to see family—no extra visa needed.

For travelers from countries with unilateral visa-free entry, you don’t need a visa at all for stays up to 30 days, and you can enter for tourism, business, or family visits.

Chengdu’s Tourism Boom: Numbers Tell the Story

The impact of these visa policy changes is clear in Chengdu’s tourism numbers. During the 2025 Spring Festival, the city saw a 56.6% increase in foreign entries compared to the previous year. Even more striking, 46.7% of these entries were visa-free. This means nearly half of all foreign visitors during this busy travel period came without needing a visa, thanks to the new policies.

Local officials and tourism experts say these numbers show how important easy travel rules are for attracting visitors. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the relaxed visa policy is a key reason for the sharp rise in international arrivals, especially from countries newly added to the visa-free lists.

Cultural Attractions Drive Tourism Growth

Chengdu is famous for its rich history, unique culture, and modern lifestyle. The city’s museums, such as the Jinsha Museum and the Sanxingdui Museum, have become top destinations for both local and international tourists. These sites showcase ancient artifacts, including gold masks and bronze statues, that tell the story of China’s early civilizations.

The demand for cultural experiences is also boosting sales of cultural merchandise. Visitors are buying souvenirs, books, and crafts that reflect Chengdu’s heritage. This helps local businesses and creates more jobs in the tourism sector.

Ren Ge, Director of Chengdu Museum, explains, “We are blending heritage with modern life. Our goal is to make cultural innovation part of everyday experiences, so visitors can connect with both the past and the present.”

Global Tourism Events Put Chengdu on the Map

Chengdu’s growing reputation as a travel hotspot was highlighted at the 2025 Global Cross-Border Tourism (Sichuan) Conference & Trip.com Group Global Partner Gala. This event brought together tourism professionals from 66 countries to discuss new trends and promote Sichuan’s cultural and tourism landscape.

Hu Yun, Vice Governor of Sichuan Province, spoke at the event, saying, “Inbound tourism is very important for us. We are introducing new incentive policies to attract more visitors and make their experience better.”

These events help Chengdu build connections with travel companies, airlines, and cultural organizations around the world. They also give the city a chance to show off its unique attractions, from spicy Sichuan food to panda sanctuaries.

Why Chengdu? The City’s Unique Appeal

Chengdu stands out among Chinese cities for several reasons:

• Rich Cultural Heritage: The city is home to ancient sites, traditional teahouses, and famous festivals.
• Modern Lifestyle: Chengdu is known for its relaxed pace of life, trendy cafes, and vibrant music scene.
• Natural Beauty: The surrounding Sichuan region offers mountains, rivers, and the world-famous Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.
• Easy Access: With the new visa policy, it’s now much easier for international travelers to visit Chengdu, even if they are just passing through on their way to another country.

How the Visa Policy Helps Different Groups

The new visa policy brings benefits to many different people and groups:

• Tourists: It’s now simpler and cheaper to visit Chengdu. You don’t have to spend time or money applying for a visa if you’re eligible for visa-free transit or entry.
• Business Travelers: The policy makes it easier for businesspeople to attend meetings, conferences, or trade shows in Chengdu without extra paperwork.
• Families and Friends: People can visit relatives or friends in Chengdu more easily, especially if they live in countries on the visa-free list.
• Local Businesses: Hotels, restaurants, shops, and tour operators are seeing more customers from around the world, which helps the local economy grow.

Step-by-Step: Using the 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit in Chengdu

If you’re planning to use the 240-hour visa-free transit policy in Chengdu, here’s what you need to do:

1. Check Eligibility: Make sure your country is on the list of eligible countries.
2. Book Your Flights: You must have a confirmed ticket to a third country. For example, if you’re flying from France to Thailand with a stop in Chengdu, you qualify.
3. Arrive at a Designated Port: Chengdu’s main airport is one of the 60 approved entry points.
4. Prepare Your Documents: Bring your passport, onward ticket, and any other required documents.
5. Declare at Immigration: When you arrive, tell the immigration officer you want to use the 240-hour visa-free transit. They will check your documents and stamp your passport.
6. Enjoy Your Stay: You can travel around Chengdu and the surrounding area for up to 10 days. You can visit tourist sites, attend business meetings, or see family and friends.
7. Leave on Time: Make sure you leave China before your 240 hours are up, using the ticket you showed at entry.

For more details and the latest updates, visit the National Immigration Administration’s official website.

What Tourism Professionals and Cultural Experts Say

Tourism industry professionals are excited about the new visa policy. Many say it’s a “game changer” for inbound tourism. Travel agencies and airlines are already seeing more bookings from countries that now have visa-free access.

Cultural experts also welcome the changes. They believe that easier travel rules will help more people learn about China’s history and culture. This can lead to better understanding between countries and more respect for different traditions.

Economic Impact: More Visitors, More Growth

The rise in tourism is bringing real economic benefits to Chengdu. More visitors mean more spending on hotels, food, transportation, and souvenirs. Local businesses are hiring more staff to keep up with demand.

The city government is also investing in new tourism projects, such as upgrading museums, building new attractions, and improving public transport. These efforts are designed to make Chengdu even more attractive to international visitors.

Cultural Exchange: Building Bridges Between Countries

One of the main goals of the new visa policy is to encourage cultural exchange. When people from different countries visit Chengdu, they get to experience Chinese culture firsthand. They can join local festivals, try traditional foods, and learn about ancient customs.

At the same time, Chengdu’s residents have more chances to meet people from around the world. This helps build friendships and understanding between different cultures.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Chengdu’s Tourism and Visa Policy

China’s government has said it will keep improving its visa policy to attract even more visitors. This could mean adding more countries to the visa-free lists, making the process even simpler, or allowing longer stays.

Chengdu is likely to keep growing as a top destination for international travelers. The city plans to develop more cultural tourism projects, such as new museums, art festivals, and heritage tours. These efforts will help Chengdu stay competitive with other major cities in China and around the world.

Practical Tips for Travelers

If you’re thinking about visiting Chengdu, here are some tips to make your trip easier:

• Check the Latest Visa Policy: Rules can change, so always check the official government website before you travel.
• Plan Your Itinerary: Make the most of your 10-day stay by visiting top attractions like the Jinsha Museum, Sanxingdui Museum, and the panda base.
• Book Accommodation Early: With more tourists coming to Chengdu, hotels can fill up quickly, especially during festivals.
• Try Local Food: Don’t miss Chengdu’s famous spicy dishes, such as hotpot and mapo tofu.
• Respect Local Customs: Learn a few basic Chinese phrases and be polite to locals.

Where to Find Official Information

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on China’s visa policy and tourism in Chengdu, use these resources:

• National Immigration Administration (NIA): Official source for visa policy, eligibility, and procedures.
• Chengdu Municipal Government: For local tourism events and cultural activities.
• Chinese Embassies or Consulates: For help with visa questions and travel documents.

Conclusion: Chengdu’s Future as a Global Tourism Hub

Chengdu’s rise as a top travel destination shows how important visa policy is for tourism and cultural exchange. The city’s success is a result of smart government action, strong cultural attractions, and a welcoming attitude toward international visitors.

As more people discover Chengdu’s unique mix of history, culture, and modern life, the city is set to become an even bigger player in global tourism. The new visa policy is making it easier than ever for travelers to experience all that Chengdu has to offer.

Whether you’re a tourist, business traveler, or cultural explorer, Chengdu’s open doors and rich experiences are waiting for you. With continued support from government and industry leaders, the city’s tourism industry is likely to keep growing, bringing new opportunities for everyone involved.

For more in-depth analysis and updates on China’s visa policy and tourism trends, VisaVerge.com reports that Chengdu’s experience could serve as a model for other cities looking to boost international travel and cultural exchange. Stay informed, plan ahead, and get ready to explore one of China’s most exciting destinations.

Learn Today

240-hour visa-free transit policy → Allows eligible travelers to stay up to 10 days in certain Chinese cities without a visa during transit.
Unilateral visa-free entry → A policy letting citizens from specific countries enter China up to 30 days without requiring a visa.
Designated ports → Approved entry points in China, including airports and border crossings, for visa-free transit travelers.
National Immigration Administration → China’s government agency responsible for overseeing immigration and visa policies.
Spring Festival → China’s Lunar New Year holiday period, a peak time for domestic and international travel.

This Article in a Nutshell

Chengdu’s tourism surges after China expands visa-free transit, welcoming visitors from 55 countries. The 240-hour visa-free policy and new unilateral visa-free entries boost international arrivals and cultural exchange, positioning Chengdu as a leading global travel destination rich in heritage and modern attractions.
— By VisaVerge.com