China Opens Visa-Free Travel to 38 Countries
So far, the plan to get more tourists in the country seems to be working.
There’s been a lot of buzz about China lately — and it’s because one of the internet’s loudest, most curious livestreamers started exploring its cities, racing EVs, reacting to face-changing opera, and just being wildly entertaining — or simply a growing curiosity about the country itself, the internet can’t seem to look away.
One thing that’s clear is that, in the middle of all the chaos and comedy, these viral streams have unintentionally spotlighted a country that’s quietly evolved into a tech playground.
From robot waiters to electric vehicles that rival Lamborghinis, China’s blend of deep cultural roots and futuristic cyber cities is catching global attention. Viral clips from IShowSpeed’s streams show off high-speed trains with WiFi that works in tunnels, AI-powered gadgets, and sleek new EVs like the Xiaomi SU7. It’s the kind of content that made me stop mid-scroll and think, "Why haven’t I seen more of this before?"
That spark of curiosity is starting to turn into travel interest for many, with plans to add the country's futuristic cities to their travel destination. And right on cue, China made a major move.
Unbeknownst to many, China launched a visa-free policy for tourists from 38 countries in late 2024, eliminating the major bottlenecks that come with visa approvals. Depending on where you're from, you can now visit China for up to 15 or 30 days with no visa, no embassy appointments, and no paperwork drama. Just grab your passport and go.
The change comes as China works to rebuild international tourism after the pandemic. The country welcomed over 65 million international visitors in 2019, but that number dropped to just 35.5 million by 2023. Meanwhile, regional rivals like Japan and South Korea have already bounced back. China’s visa-free push is about catching up — and it’s already showing results. Inbound flight bookings surged 47% in January 2025, just weeks after the policy launched. Tourist hotspots like Xi’an reported notable spikes in foreign visitors.
So, if you’re into tech, culture, or just curious what all the hype is about, now’s the perfect time. The visa-free policy runs until at least December 31, 2025 — giving you plenty of time to swap your screen for the real thing.
Emmanuel Oyedeji
