During the regular press conference on 28 July, Foreign-Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian highlighted that 77.7 % of all foreign visitors entering China in the first half of 2026 did so under visa-free arrangements. Responding to a question from Beijing Daily, Lin noted that European tourists in particular were “flocking to China” this summer to experience electric-vehicle showrooms, pop-up “guochao” stores and scenic heritage sites. Lin framed the data as evidence that China’s policy of “high-level openness” is resonating with global travellers and underpins the government’s goal of combining cultural soft power with economic growth. He added that the authorities “welcome more foreign friends to feel the vibrant charm of summer China up close.” While the remarks do not introduce new rules, they offer an important policy signal: Beijing sees the visa-free programme as central to its economic-recovery strategy and is unlikely to reverse course. For corporate mobility teams the statement provides reassurance that employee travel, project deployment and client visits can continue to leverage 30-day visa-free stays, reducing paperwork and lead-times. Practical tip: travellers must still carry proof of onward travel and register their address with local police (or via hotel) within 24 hours. HR departments should remind staff that overstays or unauthorised work remain punishable by fines and possible entry bans, even under visa-free entry.
