According to data released on 13/7 by the China National Immigration Administration (NIA), Vietnam, along with South Korea, Russia, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, the US, Japan, Mongolia, and Australia, are the 10 largest source markets, accounting for 62% of total international visitors to China. Among these, Vietnam ranks 4th, surpassing traditional markets such as the US, Japan, and Australia.
Le Phuong, business manager at Trang An Travel, stated that Vietnam's entry into the top four largest visitor markets for China reflects a clear growth trend in recent years. The number of clients choosing China tours from his company for the two years 2025-2026 increased by about 50% compared to the 2023-2024 period.
Driving factors include cultural similarities, a rich system of scenic spots and heritage sites, and increasingly favorable entry policies offering various forms such as visa exemptions in some areas, travel permits, group visas, and sticker visas. Travel costs range from 3 million to 40 million VND, with many product choices including more than 40 air tour routes and about 20 land routes.
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Vietnamese visitors taking photos at Dianchi Lake, Kunming, China in 11/2024. Photo: Giang Huy |
Vietnamese visitors taking photos at Dianchi Lake, Kunming, China in 11/2024. Photo: Giang Huy
"The improving quality of services, infrastructure, and flight networks makes China an attractive choice for Vietnamese visitors", Le Phuong said.
Businesses predict that demand will remain stable until the end of the year, but tourists tend to choose high-quality tours with minimal or no mandatory shopping, visiting autumn scenery spots such as Beijing, Shanghai, Jiuzhaigou, and Lijiang.
China records entry and exit peak
In the first six months of the year, China recorded 369 million entries and exits, an increase of 10,8% compared to the same period last year and the highest level ever. Foreign visitor entries alone reached 22,91 million, a 20,6% increase. Of these, 17,82 million entries were under visa-free arrangements, accounting for 77,7% of total international visitors and a 30,6% increase compared to the same period.
Lin Yongsheng, spokesperson for NIA, stated that the rapid increase in international visitors is due to China's continuous expansion of visa exemption policies and improved entry conditions.
Conversely, mainland Chinese residents made 88 million departures in the first six months, an increase of 10,5% compared to the same period. According to National Bureau of Statistics data for the first six months of the year, mainland China continues to be Vietnam's largest source market, with more than 2,7 million visitors.
Tuan Anh
