Shanghai’s inbound tourism has experienced a remarkable surge in 2025, with the city welcoming over six million visitors. This impressive growth can be largely attributed to an influx of travelers from key markets such as the United States, South Korea, Japan, Thailand, and Indonesia. The city’s vibrant cultural offerings, world-class attractions, and strategic tourism initiatives have made it a top destination for international visitors, fueling this rapid increase in tourism numbers.
Shanghai has reinforced its status as China’s leading gateway for international travelers, with substantial growth in inbound tourism during the first three quarters of 2025. The city continues to attract global visitors with its cultural allure, robust tourism infrastructure, and government policies aimed at increasing international arrivals.
In the first nine months of the year, Shanghai welcomed 6.3 million inbound travelers, representing a remarkable year-on-year increase of 37.14%. This surge is a clear reflection of the city’s enduring appeal as a global travel hub and its ability to draw tourists despite the challenges posed by the global pandemic and changing international travel dynamics. The significant jump in visitors underscores the city’s rapid recovery and its growing popularity among travelers from around the world.
The trend towards longer stays is also evident, as overnight international tourists reached 7.7 million during the same period, a 44.67% increase compared to the same months in 2024. This uptick not only demonstrates the increasing number of people choosing Shanghai as a destination for extended stays but also indicates a growing interest in exploring the city’s diverse attractions beyond short layovers. As a major cultural and commercial center, Shanghai has long been a favored destination for international visitors seeking a blend of modern urbanism and traditional Chinese culture.
South Korea remains the largest source of inbound tourism, with 619,800 visitors in the first nine months of the year. This figure is more than double the number of visitors from South Korea in the same period last year, highlighting the strong travel ties between the two countries. The rise in South Korean visitors can be attributed to increasing air connectivity, cultural exchanges, and the proximity between the two countries. South Korea has long been a key market for Shanghai, with its bustling entertainment and shopping districts, such as Nanjing Road and the Bund, being especially popular among South Korean travelers.
Japan and the United States follow closely as major contributors to inbound tourism to Shanghai. Japan accounted for over 450,000 visitors, while the United States contributed around 380,000. Both of these countries have long had strong cultural and economic ties with Shanghai, with increasing numbers of travelers visiting the city for business, leisure, and educational purposes. The steady flow of American and Japanese visitors indicates the continued appeal of Shanghai as an important business and cultural center in the region.
In addition to these major markets, Shanghai has seen impressive growth from Southeast Asian countries, with Thailand and Indonesia leading the charge. Arrivals from Thailand surged by 106.46%, while Indonesia saw a 61.38% increase in visitors. The growing number of Southeast Asian visitors reflects the expanding connectivity between Shanghai and key cities in Southeast Asia, as well as the increasing interest among travelers in experiencing Shanghai’s unique blend of modernity and traditional Chinese culture.
One of the key factors driving this growth in inbound tourism is China’s expanded visa-waiver policies, which have made it easier for international travelers to visit the country. Nationals from 76 countries now enjoy visa-free access to China, while citizens of 55 additional countries can visit China for up to 10 days without a visa when transiting to a third destination. This policy change has significantly reduced the barriers for tourists wishing to visit Shanghai, encouraging both short-term and long-term stays. With visa policies becoming more traveler-friendly, Shanghai has seen an increase in spontaneous travel, where visitors can easily book a trip without the need for complicated visa processes.
The hospitality sector in Shanghai has experienced a strong recovery, with the average occupancy rate of star-rated hotels in the city reaching 67.6% in September, an increase of 6 percentage points compared to the same month in 2024. This improvement signals a positive rebound for the hospitality industry, which was one of the hardest-hit sectors during the pandemic. With tourism on the rise, hotel operators have seen an influx of bookings, particularly from international travelers. The increase in hotel occupancy rates reflects the growing confidence of travelers in the safety and convenience of visiting Shanghai.
Among the various hotel categories, five-star hotels in Shanghai have reported an impressive occupancy rate of 73.1%. These high-end hotels are also seeing an uptick in room rates, with the average daily rate reaching 992.6 yuan ($139.6). This growth in both occupancy and average daily rates indicates that international travelers are not only flocking to Shanghai in increasing numbers but are also opting for premium accommodations, which is a testament to the city’s luxury tourism market.
Looking ahead, Shanghai is poised to continue attracting international visitors, especially with major events scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2025. The China International Import Expo, one of the world’s largest trade fairs, will take place in Shanghai, drawing thousands of business travelers and industry professionals from across the globe. In addition, the China Shanghai International Arts Festival, which showcases the city’s rich cultural heritage, will further solidify Shanghai’s status as a leading cultural destination. These events, along with ongoing tourism growth, are expected to push Shanghai’s inbound tourism numbers to new heights, with experts predicting that the city will surpass 8 million inbound visitors by the end of 2025.
Shanghai’s inbound tourism reached over six million visitors in 2025, driven by significant growth from the United States, South Korea, Japan, Thailand, and Indonesia, thanks to the city’s appealing cultural attractions and targeted tourism initiatives.
As Shanghai continues to grow as a global destination, the city’s tourism industry remains on track for further development, driven by enhanced international accessibility, a dynamic hospitality sector, and a diverse range of attractions. With its robust infrastructure, thriving cultural scene, and favorable visa policies, Shanghai is set to remain at the forefront of China’s tourism boom, solidifying its reputation as one of the world’s premier travel destinations.
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