Between January and November 2025, Shanghai welcomed 6.29 million tourist visits, a rise of nearly 50 % compared to the same period in 2024, according to the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism.
The city also recorded 8.28 million inbound tourists during the same period, a near 40 % increase year‑on‑year, surpassing the total for all of 2024.
South Korea remained the largest source market, with 805,000 visitors, a 111.4 % growth over 11 months. Japan and the United States followed with 584,000 and 490,000 visitors respectively.
The rise is attributed to China’s visa facilitation policies, improved tourist services, and more diverse and in‑depth travel offerings. Russian tourist arrivals increased after China announced a visa exemption policy for holders of ordinary Russian passports, effective from September 15, 2025 to September 14, 2026.
"Inbound tourism is increasingly driven by independent travelers, creating greater demand for public services across the city and district‑level tourism promotion," said Zhong Xiaomin, director of the administration.
With the New Year holidays approaching, Shanghai launched 120 tourist routes across its 16 districts, blending modern urban scenery with cultural heritage and innovative immersive experiences to meet diverse travel needs.
