Visa-Free Expansion Sparks a “Check-In Craze”

Shanghai Becomes a Must-Visit Destination for Global Influencers

As China continues to expand its visa-free entry policies, a growing wave of foreign social media influencers is flocking to Shanghai to explore, experience, and share their journeys. This surge is giving rise to a tourism boom and positioning the city as a global hub for content-driven international travel.

Policy Momentum: Visa-Free Access Opens the Door

Broader Access, Stronger Appeal

By early June 2025, China had unilaterally granted visa-free access to 43 countries, signed mutual visa-exemption agreements with 29 nations, and extended visa-free transit stays to 240 hours for citizens from 54 countries.

Notably:

● From June 1, five Latin American countries—Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay—were added to the visa-free list.

● Starting June 9, Gulf countries including Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain officially joined, and enabling their citizens to enter China for up to 30 days visa-free.

Streamlined Entry Experience

Shanghai Pudong International Airport has become China's leading entry point, recording 4.84 million foreign entries. New services such as one-stop customs, local SIM card sales, and instant tax refunds further enhance convenience for international visitors.

Influencers Drive Shanghai's Global Popularity

UAE Influencer Squad Goes Viral in Shanghai

Popular UAE travel vlogger Ahmed Alkas (nearly 1 million followers) shared a “Visa-Free Guide” during his stay in Shanghai. He remarked, “It only takes 9 hours from Dubai to Shanghai—30 visa-free days is perfect for immersive exploration.”

His short videos included content on halal airline meals, stays at the iconic J Hotel, traditional Shikumen architecture, and historical maps at the CPC First National Congress Memorial. The clip featuring the memorial alone garnered 200,000+ views, igniting enthusiastic responses across the Gulf region.

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pS7LVsXOBM

American YouTuber IShowSpeed Explores Shanghai

Mega influencer IShowSpeed (40M+ followers) livestreamed a 6-hour tour of Shanghai, offering millions of global viewers a firsthand look at the city’s urban vibe and culture. His video has surpassed 7 million views on YouTube.

Chinese media hailed the stream as “A window into the real China,” triggering widespread discussion in overseas communities.

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fK85SQzm0Z0

Shanghai Remains China's #1 Gateway City

Tourism Boom Driven by Culture and Commerce

● In the first five months of 2025, Shanghai recorded 4.84 million foreign travelers movements — an increase of nearly 46% year-over-year.

● 1.15 million of these travelers entered through visa-free channels, a 2.4-fold increase over the same period last year.

● Travel platforms report that inbound tourism orders nearly doubled, while transit visa-free bookings increased by 189%.

Global Impact: Shanghai at the Heart of China's Tourism Strategy

With expanding visa-free access, China is building a powerful international tourism network centered around Shanghai. The city is leveraging its cultural landmarks, modern urban charm, and the viral power of influencers to enhance global visibility and welcome a new era of travel.