More than 25.24 million journeys linked the Chinese mainland and its ASEAN partners in the first eight months of 2025—a robust 11.2% rise compared to last year, according to the National Immigration Administration.
Breaking down the numbers:
- Outbound from the Chinese mainland: 14.5 million trips (+3.7% year-on-year)
- Inbound to the Chinese mainland: over 10 million arrivals (+27.5% year-on-year), with visa-free options driving growth
This mobility surge reflects deepening economic, cultural and tourism ties across one of the world’s most dynamic regions. To sustain this momentum, the National Immigration Administration plans new measures to simplify cross-border travel, boost exchanges and strengthen regional economic cooperation.
For young digital nomads, entrepreneurs and global citizens, these trends point to an era of unprecedented connectivity. Whether you’re chasing startup opportunities in Jakarta or planning a cultural tour from Bangkok to Shanghai, seamless travel is reshaping how we live, work and explore.
Reference(s):
Number of trips between China and ASEAN exceeds 25m so far in 2025
cgtn.com