Foreigners rush to Chinese tech hub as visa-free policy fuels tourism boom

By Phan Anh May 17, 2025 | 04:31 am PT

A general view of Shekou area in Nanshan district of Shenzhen, Guangdong province, China, Sept. 3, 2022. Photo by Reuters

Vibrant tech hub Shenzhen is buzzing with foreign travelers this year, as China’s expanded visa-free policy opens the gates to global tourism.

According to state broadcaster CCTV, Shenzhen has become a magnet for travelers, particularly from Malaysia, South Korea, Japan, Vietnam and Singapore.

Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport reported over 152,000 visa-free entries so far in 2025, marking a 160.3% jump from the same period in 2024. The total international arrivals reached 531,000, a year-on-year increase of 54.6%, as reported by the South China Morning Post.

To accommodate this rising demand, Shenzhen's airport plans to introduce a direct flight to Dubai this July. Additionally, new routes connecting the city to popular destinations like Osaka, Singapore, Bangkok and Hanoi are scheduled to open later this year.

Shenzhen's attractiveness goes beyond visa policies. Renowned for its role as a global trade and manufacturing center, proximity to Hong Kong, and relatively low living costs, the city offers compelling reasons for international travelers and entrepreneurs alike.

Adding to its global appeal, Shenzhen gained a moment of viral fame when popular YouTube personality IShowSpeed, who boasts 39.5 million followers, hosted a five-hour livestream from the city, drawing 8.7 million viewers.

China's push to simplify travel procedures and waive visa requirements for numerous countries is part of broader efforts to revive tourism after stringent Covid-19 restrictions. In 2024, visa-free entries to China surged to 20.1 million travelers, a 112% increase compared to 2023, according to the National Immigration Administration.