In 2024, Beijing recorded a total of 3.942 million visits made by inbound tourists, indicating a year-on-year increase of 186.8 percent. The amount of the foreign exchange earnings of its tourism sector reached USD4.91 billion, an increase of 151.7 percent from the previous year. 

In 2024, Beijing has made efforts to meet inbound tourists’ needs in terms of entry, transportation, accommodation, sightseeing, shopping, and payment experiences. It was the first city to establish the airport payment service demonstration zones and the payment service centers, and created China's first "inbound consumer-friendly business district". It also made tap-to-go access to the urban rail transit network for overseas bank cards available in the Chinese mainland, and launched a pilot program for foreigners to obtain SIM cards through prior online application.

The city also continuously expanded its offerings for inbound tourists, including themed experiences like "Strolling Along the Central Axis", "Cycling Along the Central Axis", and "Beautiful Central Axis" as well as the unique cultural tourism night-tour project at the Liangma River International Waterfront, and the trendy designer toys at POP LAND. These activities have attracted a large number of foreign visitors.

Meanwhile, the city now offers more convenient services. Specifically, nearly 18,000 key businesses citywide accept payment made by foreign bank cards; 11,400 ATMs support withdrawals with foreign bank cards; and the BEIJING PASS cards are issued to foreign nationals. In addition, Beijing hosted a series of brand-building events such as "Hello, Beijing" themed promotions and the "Great Wall Hero" global marketing campaigns in the United States, Germany, and other countries, all aimed at attracting more inbound tourists.

In 2025, Beijing will introduce 18 measures for inbound tourism, striving for a 5-percent increase in the number of inbound tourists received. The city plans to launch more thematic and distinctive high-quality tour routes, with the emphasis placed on the "City Walk" themes. It will also develop a variety of leisure products and routes featuring night tours, cycling routes, walking routes, performances, and dining options. Beijing will further improve the operations of the "Beijing Service" airport counters, promote the recovery of the number of international flights, streamline exit-entry procedures, upgrade language accessibility for international visitors, and build more barrier-free payment service zones.

(Source: Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism)