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Chinese tourists

Chinese tourists
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Chinese tourists. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
Mainland Chinese drivers are allowed to drive in the city under a new southbound drivers scheme that took effect on December 23, 2025.
Hong Kong

Video | Mainland Chinese drivers hit bumps navigating Hong Kong roads

Videos and pictures are being circulated of drivers from mainland China allegedly using inappropriate driving manners and vehicle modifications in Hong Kong.

China consumption

China’s Hainan hosts duty-free shopping spree under new customs regime

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Hong Kong tourism

Video | Fares rise for Hong Kong Peak Tram

Aerospace: Geopolitics

Why are rich Chinese moving private jets offshore, slumming it in budget seats?

Strict flight rules and economic headwinds are forcing scrutiny-wary tycoons to rebase aircraft in places such as Singapore or downgrade to commercial cabins.

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Two crew members walk past business jets in Shanghai. Photo: AFP
Hong Kong tourism

Hong Kong records 10% rise in festive period visitors as outbound trips surge 22%

Despite increase in tourists, merchants warn absence of New Year fireworks may impact visitor numbers and, in turn, the retail sector.

China-Latin America relations

Brazil weighs visa-free entry for Chinese tourists and business travellers

Brazil saw nearly 80 per cent growth in Chinese tourists in 2024 and would join only two neighbours offering visa-free entry.

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China consumption

Hard work, long hours fuelled China’s rise. Now, it weighs longer breaks

China, one of the world’s hardest-working countries, is adopting incentives to increase time off – and potentially boost consumer spending.

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Workers at the construction site for the main tower of Harbin Ice and Snow World in Harbin, China. Photo: Xinhua
China-Japan relations

China-Japan tension hits holiday travel as flights cancelled on 46 routes

All cancelled flights are operated by Chinese carriers and involve most of the country’s major airlines.

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Thailand

Thailand’s tourism crown slips as troubles in paradise mount

Border clashes with Cambodia, fierce competition from Malaysia, deadly floods and a strong baht threaten the kingdom’s holiday appeal.

The Philippines

Philippines struggles to win back Chinese tourists as regional rivals surge

New data shows Chinese arrivals to the Philippines hit 312,000 last year, only 18 per cent of pre-pandemic levels.

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Chinese tourists from Beijing enjoying Cambugahay waterfalls in Siquijor, Central Visaya, Philippines. Photo: SCMP / James Wendlinger
Trending in China

China tourist in Japan sends 300 masks during Covid to host after overnight stay

Against backdrop of ongoing political tensions between the two countries, this heartwarming story quickly went viral on social media.

A recent episode of a Japanese variety show featured a touching story of friendship between a Chinese tourist and a Japanese local resident. Photo: SCMP composite/QQ.com/matcha-jp.com
China-Japan relations

Chinese tourist arrivals to Japan lose momentum amid tensions: official data

Mainland visitor numbers rose just 3% in November after flight cuts and travel warnings took effect as diplomatic strains escalated.

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Hong Kong property

Kai Tak Stadium lifts Hong Kong’s status as major sports and entertainment venue

The 50,000-seat stadium drives repeat tourism, supports retailers and helps prop up retail property landlords, experts say.

China travel

Why South Korea is becoming China’s new bargain travel hotspot amid Japan spat

A slump in the won is making South Korea increasingly affordable for mainland tourists just as China warns against travel to Japan.

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A large crowd of tourists walks through a street in Seoul. South Korea is expected to receive an uptick in Chinese tourism over the coming months. Photo: Reuters
Mainland China

China-led Asia-Pacific lifts global aviation outlook as profits set to soar

Passenger demand from China and India, eased visa rules and freight resilience drive growth as IATA forecasts record airline profits in 2026.

China and India will lead regional growth, fuelled by a rebound in tourism and the expanding middle classes, says IATA. Photo: Xinhua
Hong Kong society

Hong Kong tourist arrested in Japan after crashing rental car, injuring driver

Hong Kong’s Immigration Department says it has received a request for help regarding the case.

United States

US plans to order foreign tourists to disclose social media histories

The move requires tourists from 42 nations to share five-year social media history, igniting privacy debates and free speech worries.

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Malaysia

Chinese tourist’s Penang panda mural that drew criticism turns crowd-puller

Local officials review an application to keep the unauthorised artwork at Chew Jetty intact after ordering the painting to be removed.

Shen Shishi with her finished painting of a panda. Photo: Handout
South Korea

Chinese tourists pivot to South Korea, Thailand amid Japan travel ban

Spat began when Japan’s PM Sanae Takaichi suggested potential military intervention in Taiwan Strait, leading Beijing to issue a travel warning.

Malaysia

Penang set to scoop up Chinese tourists skipping Japan, Thailand’s Hat Yai

Penang anticipates a surge in year-end visitors, with events and food-driven itineraries boosting hotel bookings.

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China travel

1,900 China-Japan flights cancelled in December as political row continues

Airlines have now scrapped over 40 per cent of their China-Japan flights scheduled for this month amid a diplomatic spat over Taiwan.

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Chinese airlines have cancelled large numbers of flights to Japan amid a political dispute over Taiwan. Photo: Shutterstock
China trade

From immigration to investments: China’s middle class is unwinding bets on Japan

Popular destination for capital feels the chill, with cruise lines cancelling trips, investors selling property and parents questioning if it is safe to send students.

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People walk between buildings in Tokyo on November 17. A diplomatic feud between China and Japan is having economic implications. Photo: AFP
Singapore

Singapore becomes Plan B for Chinese travellers giving Japan a wide berth

Beijing’s call to boycott Japan after Sanae Takaichi’s remarks is benefiting Southeast Asian countries, travel agents say.

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Japan

Opinion | Why Chinese are cancelling their trips to Japan

The Japanese prime minister crossed a red line and reopened old wounds in employing language that echoed rhetoric used by imperial Japan to justify invasion.

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China travel

Chinese tourism to Russia soars as travellers pivot from under-fire Japan

Chinese travel firms have seen a surge in Russia-related bookings in recent weeks, as tourists continue to avoid Japan amid a diplomatic row.

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Chinese tourists pose for a photo in Red Square in central Moscow. Photo: AP
Thailand

Thailand to curb repeat visa-free entries amid rise in scams, illegal work

Around 2,900 foreigners have been barred by Thailand so far this year due to their multiple short-term entries.

Tourists visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a major tourist destination in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand. Photo: Reuters
Trending in China

Italian eatery owner slammed for insulting 16 Taiwan tourists for sharing 5 pizzas

An Italian chef tells media that one reason for owner’s irritation might be because it is common for customers to order one pizza per person.

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China-Japan relations

What economic cards will China play with Japan? Analysts see dilemma in the row

Beijing seen balancing need to retaliate against Tokyo with risk of alienating foreign investors; experts expect cautious strategy.

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