Shanghai Inbound Tourism Surges, Exceeding 9.36 Million Visitors in 2025
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A remarkable rebound in international travel propelled Shanghai’s inbound tourism to new heights in 2025, with the city welcoming over 9.36 million foreign visitors – a surge of nearly 40% compared to the previous year. This significant growth underscores Shanghai’s enduring appeal as a premier global destination and signals a robust recovery for the tourism sector.
A Year of Dramatic Growth
The city experienced a substantial increase in inbound tourism throughout 2025, culminating in a total of 9,360,200 international arrivals. This represents a year-over-year increase of 39.58%, according to reports released on January 22nd. The momentum continued to build as the year progressed, with December witnessing an even more pronounced surge.
During the final month of the year, Shanghai welcomed 1,077,700 inbound tourists, a remarkable 45.56% increase compared to December of the prior year. This strong finish highlights the growing demand for travel to Shanghai during the holiday season.
Overnight Tourists Drive Market Expansion
A key driver of this growth has been the increasing popularity of longer stays. Overnight inbound tourists have emerged as the core pillar of the market, demonstrating a shift towards more immersive travel experiences. In December alone, 1,039,700 visitors opted for overnight accommodations, representing a 47.72% year-over-year increase.
The total number of tourists for the entire year reached 8,789,400, reflecting a 45.09% increase. “These figures fully demonstrated Shanghai’s unique appeal as an international tourist destination,” one analyst noted.
Looking Ahead
The impressive growth in Shanghai’s inbound tourism market in 2025 positions the city for continued success in the years to come. The sustained demand for travel, coupled with the city’s ongoing investments in tourism infrastructure and attractions, suggests a positive outlook for the industry. This surge in visitor numbers not only benefits the tourism sector but also contributes significantly to the overall economic vitality of Shanghai.
