China Travel Updates
What changed for visitors — entry rules, transport, payments, attractions and events.
- Entry & Visas
Electronic border permits for Shigatse, Xizang suspended after Gyirong Port mudslide
The National Immigration Administration has suspended issuing electronic border administration area permits for Shigatse City, Xizang Autonomous Region, following a large-scale mudslide on the Nepalese side that caused heavy casualties at Gyirong Port. Travellers who already hold valid electronic permits listing Shigatse as their destination should not travel to the area for now. The suspension takes effect from 00:00 on 28 August 2026, and the resumption date will be announced separately.
via National Immigration Administration
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Kyrgyzstan and Vietnam added to China's 240-hour transit and Hainan visa-free policies
Nationals of Kyrgyzstan and Vietnam are now eligible for China's 240-hour visa-free transit policy and the 30-day visa-free entry policy for Hainan. Eligible travelers may transit through 65 open ports including Beijing and Shanghai for up to 240 hours, or enter Hainan directly for up to 30 days for tourism, business, visits, and family visits. The change took effect on August 20, 2026.
via National Immigration Administration
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Shanghai launches 100 "Hu Xiaoyou" tourist service hubs before WorldSkills 2026
Shanghai is rolling out a new tourist service network called "Hu Xiaoyou" ahead of the 48th WorldSkills Competition. The hubs integrate travel information, one-stop booking, AI-powered itinerary planning, foreign card payments, and multilingual support in 10 languages and over 120 currencies. One hundred service points will be installed at airports, hotels, tourist information centers, competition venues, and key scenic spots by the end of August 2026.
via Shanghai Culture and Tourism Bureau
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