China Tourism Roundup-July 2025
As summer peaks in China’s southern provinces, the tourism sector marked a major breakthrough in visa facilitation. Cool summer getaways such as forest retreats, white-water rafting, and water-splashing festivals proved especially popular with travelers. Here’s FindChinaTour’s monthly review of China’s tourism industry news.
No.1 Visa-free entry has emerged as the leading driver of inbound travel to China.
As of July 30, China has expanded its visa facilitation measures, now offering full mutual visa exemption with 29 countries, unilateral visa-free entry to 46 countries, 240-hour visa-free transit in 55 countries, and regional policies such as visa-free entry to Hainan and for ASEAN tour groups. Read the full list of countries that can travel to China without a Visa.
No.2 China and Malaysia Launch Mutual Visa-Free Entry
As of July 17, the China-Malaysia mutual visa waiver for holders of ordinary passports is in force. It covers short-term visits for tourism, business, or family purposes, permitting stays of up to 30 days per trip and no more than 90 days in total within any 180-day period.
No.3 China’s 8 Cities Hit Their Hottest Period
Summer in China usually lasts from mid-May to mid-August, with July and August being the hottest months. Chongqing, surrounded by mountains, traps heat and humidity, earning the title “hottest furnace” with temps above 40°C. Wuhan and Nanjing, along the Yangtze River, have strong urban heat islands and summers over 41°C. Fuzhou and Hangzhou face growing heat islands from rapid urban growth; Fuzhou averages 34.5°C in summer with peaks over 42°C, while Hangzhou’s hot days are rising. Nanchang and Changsha, in the mid-Yangtze basin, are humid with limited greenery, reaching highs near 41°C. Turpan, in an arid continental climate, is China’s hottest spot with extremes up to 49.6°C and surface temps over 70°C. If you want to avoid the heat, September is the best time to visit for mild and comfortable weather.
No.4 China’s coolest summer escapes are soaring in popularity
FindChinaTour’s picks offer refreshing weather and hidden gems — from Inner Mongolia’s vast grasslands in Chifeng to Hunan’s Mangshan and Daweishan, where daytime temps stay around 22–25°C with cool nights, and Hubei’s misty, ancient forests of Shennongjia.
Other highlights include Gansu’s Dangchang, dubbed “Little Jiuzhai” for its colorful canyons; Hebei’s imperial forests in Xinglong; Shanxi’s Shuozhou grasslands; Yunnan’s Puer with cloud-sea mountain trails; Guizhou’s karst caves in Bijie; Qinghai’s snowy peaks in Qilian; and Genhe in Inner Mongolia — known as China’s “cold pole.” Each promises fresh air, breathtaking views, and a perfect break from summer heat.
No. 5 Best Summer Travel Tips for Families and Solo Travelers in China
School summer vacations for students in China usually run from July to August. Family travel peaks during this period, so if your child’s holiday coincides, it’s a great time to meet local kids and enjoy cultural experiences.
If you’re traveling solo and want to escape the noise, take a breath, and reconnect with life before technology and mobile phones, FindChinaTour recommends opting for a personalized tour. Discover the beauty of less-visited destinations and enjoy a quieter, more authentic travel experience.
No.6 Summer Water Fun
Summer’s most popular activities are often water-related, and drifting (river rafting) is a favorite water sport. Guizhou’s drifting is famous for its thrill, but some river sections are considered too extreme and better suited for adrenaline seekers. Most routes offer a balanced level of excitement—not only rushing rapids that get your heart racing but also calm stretches where you can enjoy the picturesque green mountains and valleys along the banks, creating a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.
If you prefer to avoid crowded scenic spots, in Wangcheng District of Changsha—once a county but now the city’s fifth district—you can take a kayak out on Zebra Lake at dusk for a peaceful paddle. Additionally, some amusement parks, like Tongguan Tang Dynasty Style Amusement Park, hold water play festivals during summer for extra fun.
Conclusion
Since the start of summer vacation, many places across China have entered “barbecue mode,” and the demand for summer getaway trips has surged. Water parks, coastal beaches, and island attractions, as well as night markets and nighttime tours, have become favorites among tourists. Summer escapes have become one of the hottest travel topics in this month.
