China’s inbound tourism boom is spreading beyond Beijing and Shanghai, with foreign travelers venturing into smaller destinations. Qunar data show overseas visitors booked flights to 144 Chinese cities this summer, 16 more than last year. Growth was strongest in lower-tier hubs: Datong bookings rose ninefold, while Yiwu climbed 2.6 times, fueled by Southeast Asian tourists attracted to wholesale markets and cultural products. High-speed rail is enabling deeper travel. Indonesian ticket bookings jumped 2.5 times, with strong increases from Malaysia, Australia, Canada, and the UK. Experts say expanded visa-free entry for 54 countries and new regional airports encourage travelers to go beyond traditional gateways.
China’s inbound tourism spreads beyond major hubs
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