By Alex 
Beijing’s tourism market saw a significant surge during the 2025 “May Day” holiday, with the city hosting a record-breaking 17.908 million visitors, a 5.6% increase year-on-year. The total tourism spending reached 20.98 billion yuan, up 6.9% compared to the previous year, setting a new historical high. Popular destinations included Wangfujing, the Olympic Park, Tiananmen Square, Xidan, Liangma River International Style Waterfront, Shichahai Scenic Area, Nanluoguxiang, the Temple of Heaven Park, the Summer Palace, and Qianmen Street.
Inbound tourism also experienced a strong recovery, with the city making significant strides to enhance the convenience of inbound travel. During the holiday, Beijing received 104,000 inbound tourists, a 42.4% increase year-on-year, and inbound tourism spending reached 1.13 billion yuan, up 48.0%. The city improved facilitation in customs clearance, payment, and tax refund upon departure, contributing to the growth in both the number of visitors and their spending.
Beijing’s efforts to improve inbound tourism convenience have been paying off. The city has implemented a series of measures to make it easier for foreign tourists to visit and spend. For example, Beijing has expanded the number of visa-free entry points and extended the visa-free stay period for certain nationalities. This has made it more convenient for foreign tourists to plan their trips to Beijing.
Moreover, Beijing has improved its payment infrastructure to better serve foreign tourists. Many shops and attractions now accept international credit cards and mobile payment methods, making it easier for foreign visitors to make purchases. The city has also enhanced its tax refund system, making it more convenient for foreign tourists to receive refunds on eligible purchases when they leave the country.
The strong performance of Beijing’s tourism market during the “May Day” holiday is a testament to the city’s efforts to improve inbound tourism convenience. With its rich cultural heritage, modern infrastructure, and supportive policies, Beijing continues to be a top destination for both domestic and international tourists.