China has seen a more than 200% increase in inbound travel bookings for this year’s Spring Festival period, primarily driven by its expanding visa-waiver scheme, according to official data. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism reported a 203% rise in bookings compared to 2024, with many foreigners visiting to experience traditional Chinese customs like lion dances and “hanfu” attire. Travel marketing firm China Trading Desk reported a 70% rise in bookings by non-Chinese passport holders for the 2025 holiday. South Korea, the US, Australia, Malaysia, and Canada were the top sources of travelers. Shanghai emerged as the busiest gateway, with some areas experiencing such high tourist traffic that restaurants had to turn away customers.