China saw a record 697 million cross-border trips in 2025, up 14.2% year-on-year, according to data released on Wednesday by the National Immigration Administration (NIA).
Chinese mainland residents accounted for 335 million crossings, an increase of 15.1% from a year earlier, while Chinese Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan residents made 279 million crossings, up 10.1%.
Crossings by foreign nationals totaled 82.04 million, rising 26.4% year-on-year. Of those, 30.08 million entered China visa-free, representing 73.1% of all foreign arrivals and an increase of 49.5% from the previous year, a NIA spokesperson said.
The figures mark the highest annual level of border crossings on record and reflect a strong recovery in international travel, supported by expanded visa-free policies and streamlined border procedures, the agency said.
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Insights
What factors contributed to the increase in border crossings in China in 2025?
What are the implications of 697 million border crossings for China's tourism industry?
How do visa-free policies affect foreign arrivals in China?
What trends are emerging in international travel post-pandemic?
What recent updates have been made to China's border crossing regulations?
How does the 2025 border crossing data compare to previous years?
What challenges does China face in managing increased border crossings?
What role do streamlined border procedures play in travel recovery?
What are the long-term impacts of increased cross-border travel on China's economy?
How does the increase in cross-border trips affect local communities in China?
What are the statistics regarding cross-border trips from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan?
How has the demographic of travelers changed in 2025 compared to previous years?
What controversies surround the visa-free policies implemented in China?
What are the competitive advantages of China's border crossing policies compared to other countries?
What historical events influenced the current state of border crossings in China?
What future developments can be expected in China's immigration policies?
How do foreign nationals perceive the visa-free entry into China?
