China's Spring Festival celebrations in 2026 have become a global cultural phenomenon, with Beijing reporting unprecedented numbers of international visitors following the expansion of visa-free travel policies. Tourists from Russia, France, Italy, Poland, and other nations are immersing themselves in traditional Lunar New Year activities, from temple fairs to lantern festivals.
"This feels like Christmas and New Year combined, but with dragons everywhere!" said French visitor Élise Moreau, marveling at the Qianmen Street decorations. The policy allowing 15-day visa-free stays for citizens of 23 countries has enabled spontaneous cultural tourism, with many travelers extending their stays to experience regional variations of the celebrations.
CGTN's Chen Jiaqi documented how visitors are participating in family-style reunion dinners and learning traditional paper-cutting crafts. Analysts note the tourism surge aligns with China's efforts to boost cultural soft power while stimulating economic activity through increased hospitality sector demand.
Business professionals highlight the policy's timing during Asia's key travel period, with cross-border spending up 38% compared to 2025 Spring Festival figures. The Taiwan Strait sees increased family reunions, as overseas residents from the Taiwan region take advantage of simplified travel procedures to visit relatives on the Chinese mainland.
