Beijing has announced a major plan to improve its tourism services for international visitors, following a strong rise in overseas arrivals. The announcement came during the Beijing Inbound Tourism Development Conference on Tuesday, where officials reported that the city welcomed 1.46 million foreign visitors from January to April—up 57.1% compared to the same period last year.
The new action plan includes 22 specific measures across four key areas: tourism products, promotion, services, and policy support. The goal is to make Beijing more attractive and accessible for international travelers.
In terms of new tourism products, the city will expand its “Beijing Central Axis” brand and introduce more diverse activities. These include heritage site tours, visits to traditional hutongs, and cycling routes along the central axis.
Service upgrades will include expanding international flight routes and simplifying the entry process. A special zone will be created for quick, one-stop issuance of temporary entry permits. Additionally, more types of foreign bank cards will be accepted for subway travel using tap-and-go access, improving transportation convenience.
“Beijing’s inbound tourism is growing rapidly, with more visitors and higher spending,” said Sima Hong, deputy mayor of Beijing. She emphasized the city’s desire to work with global partners to build momentum around “Beijing Travel,” offering tourists more open, welcoming, and exciting experiences.
At the event, city officials also launched 10 new themed travel routes under the banner “Beijing’s New Discoveries.” These include food-focused tours, hands-on experiences with intangible cultural heritage, and nighttime boat cruises to meet a variety of traveler interests.
Before the conference, over 270 travel agents from more than 40 countries and regions took part in a 48-hour tour to explore both classic and new attractions. Highlights included dragon boat races at Yanqi Lake and a visit to Pop Land, China’s first IP-themed park by trendy toy brand Pop Mart.
“Tourism is about cultural exchange,” said Paul Cohen, founder of International Experiences Ltd. “Bringing Beijing’s culture to new visitors—and introducing global cultures to Beijing’s residents—is a win for everyone.”
The conference was co-hosted by the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism and the Bureau of International Exchange and Cooperation of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. It featured new policy announcements, trade discussions, and exhibitions aimed at strengthening global tourism partnerships.
