China to overtake U.S. as tourist hot spot, and Canadians have easier access
Travellers in Canada looking to set their sights further than the U.S. may want to consider China, as the country is experiencing a tourism boom.
In February, Canada and the U.K. joined China’s list of visa-exempt countries, with arrivals surging as U.S. tourism declines. A report by the World Travel Tourism Council (WTTC) states that in 2025, China welcomed over 68 million international visitors, marking a 15.5 per cent increase compared to 2024. In comparison, the U.S. welcomed 68.3 million international visitors in 2025, down from 72.3 million in 2024, according to the International Trade Administration (ITA).
An increasingly popular destination
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According to the WTTC, China is experiencing a tourism boom for several reasons.
The country has become an increasingly popular choice, especially after expanding visa-free travel to more than 50 countries, allowing tourists to stay for up to 30 days or extended transit stays of up to 20 days.
“Since 2020, arrivals from visa-exempt markets have increased fivefold, including an additional 18 per cent growth in 2025 alone,” states the report.
Tourists are also drawn to how easy it is to navigate the country.
Biometric systems, advanced digital payment platforms and improved air and high-speed rail connectivity have made travel a much more seamless experience for visitors. Its infrastructure also makes it easier for tourists to travel between major and secondary cities, creating a much more balanced distribution of tourism nationwide. The country is also developing tourism zones, cultural attractions, and theme parks to diversify its offerings.
In comparison, both the U.S. and China are still far behind when it comes to France’s tourism levels. In 2025, France welcomed a record-breaking 102 million international visitors, “making it the most visited country,” according to the European Union website.
Visa-free travel for Canadians
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Canadian citizens no longer need a visa to travel to China as of Feb. 17. Canadians can enter China and stay for up to 30 days for business, tourism, or to visit friends and family, or for exchange and transit purposes.
However, Canadians only have until Dec. 31, 2026, to take advantage of visa-free travel to China.