This year, the Chinese mainland has seen a tourism wave surging in 2025, propelled by its most open visa policies to date. Global visitors are now delving deep beyond the iconic sights—from Beijing’s ancient palaces to Shanghai’s modern skyline—in a bid to truly understand the stories behind what they have come to see.
In Beijing, staples like the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven remain top draws, but many visitors are venturing into local quarters and markets, seeking authentic encounters. In Shanghai, the Bund still stands as an icon, while travellers are exploring backstreets and art trails to grasp the city’s hidden histories.
What’s fueling this shift is a desire for immersive experiences. Rather than ticking off landmarks, visitors want context—learning about the dynasties behind palace walls in Beijing or the trade routes that shaped Shanghai’s Bund. Local operators are responding with walking tours and cultural workshops that bring these stories to life.
Looking ahead, the tourism boom shows no sign of slowing as the Chinese mainland hints at further ease in visa rules. For young global citizens and digital nomads alike, 2025 is the year to rediscover the stories that make these cities tick—and perhaps, to find a piece of themselves along the way.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
