Beijing, China and the Beijing Capital International Airport are experiencing a sharp rise in international travel as the capital’s ports crossed 15 million entry-exit trips on August 25, 2026, reaching the milestone 20 days earlier than in 2025. Total entry-exit activity increased 9% year on year, while foreign arrivals reached 4.88 million, up 31.6%. Foreign visitors accounted for 32.5% of all entry-exit trips, highlighting the growing role of international tourism in Beijing’s travel activity.
The latest figures arrive during the peak summer travel period, when Beijing’s ports have recorded daily passenger volumes above 70,000 since the beginning of August. On August 9, entry-exit traffic exceeded 82,000 trips in a single day, setting Beijing’s highest daily figure in almost six years.
Visa facilitation drives more international arrivals
Visa facilitation is playing a significant role in the increase in foreign arrivals. Of the 4.88 million foreign entry-exit trips recorded through Beijing’s ports, 1.86 million foreign nationals entered using visa-free or temporary entry arrangements. That represented 74.5% of foreign inbound arrivals during the period.
The 240-hour visa-free transit policy currently covers citizens of 57 countries and applies through designated ports in Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei. Eligible travellers can stay for up to 10 days while travelling onward to a third country or region, subject to the policy requirements.
Kyrgyzstan and Vietnam were added to the 240-hour transit arrangement from August 20, bringing the number of participating countries to 57. The policy gives eligible international travellers an opportunity to include Beijing in longer multi-destination journeys through China and the wider region.
Beijing becomes a stronger China travel gateway
For international tourists, Beijing provides access to some of China’s most recognised cultural and historical attractions. The Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Great Wall and Summer Palace remain key stops for first-time visitors, while neighbourhoods such as the hutongs offer a different view of the capital’s urban heritage.
The city’s two international airports, Beijing Capital International Airport and Beijing Daxing International Airport, provide major gateways for overseas visitors. Beijing’s airport network also supports connections to destinations across China, allowing travellers to combine the capital with Shanghai, Xi’an, Chengdu, Guangzhou and other major tourism centres.
For visitors using the 240-hour transit policy, the ability to spend several days in the capital creates opportunities to build short cultural itineraries around Beijing’s historic sites, museums, food districts and modern city attractions.
Summer tourism pushes passenger traffic higher
The latest milestone coincides with sustained summer travel demand. Beijing’s ports have repeatedly recorded more than 70,000 entry-exit trips per day since August began, with the August 9 figure of more than 82,000 marking the highest single-day traffic level in nearly six years.
Summer visitors can combine Beijing’s major heritage attractions with seasonal experiences across the city. Parks, museums, shopping districts and cultural venues add options beyond the capital’s landmark sites, while nearby destinations provide opportunities for day trips.
The increased passenger flow also reflects travel for purposes beyond leisure. Official figures identify tourism, business exchanges and family visits among the key reasons for international arrivals, creating a diverse pattern of cross-border movement through Beijing.
Inbound tourism gains momentum
Beijing’s broader inbound tourism figures have also shown strong growth during 2026. The city received 2.667 million inbound tourists during the first five months of the year, representing a 35.3% year-on-year increase. By May 11, foreign entry-exit trips through Beijing’s ports had exceeded 2.55 million, up 33.6% year on year.
The proportion of foreign arrivals using visa-free or temporary entry arrangements was already substantial during that period. About 957,000 foreign arrivals had entered through these arrangements by May 11, representing 70.8% of all foreign entrants recorded at the time.
Travel services adapt to international demand
Beijing has also expanded services designed for inbound travellers. Beijing Capital International Airport introduced a dedicated area for eligible foreign visitors applying for temporary entry permits, while a “Beijing Service” counter provides assistance with services including foreign bank-card cash withdrawals, currency exchange, SIM cards and travel bookings.
These services complement the expanded entry arrangements and make it easier for international visitors to begin their trips after arriving in the capital.
China travel enters a stronger phase
Beijing’s latest 15 million milestone places the capital at the centre of China’s accelerating international travel activity. The combination of rising foreign arrivals, summer demand, expanded visa facilitation and extensive air connectivity is creating more opportunities for international travellers to visit the city.
For tourists, Beijing offers a route into China’s history, culture, cuisine and modern urban life, while its international gateways make it possible to continue onward to other destinations. With 15 million entry-exit trips already recorded by August 25, the capital’s 2026 travel figures are continuing to build well ahead of last year’s pace.
