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 USD 4.91 billion, an increase of 151.7 percent from the previous year.

In 2024, Beijing, focusing on inbound tourists' entry, transportation, accommodation, sightseeing, shopping, and payment experiences, was the first city to establish the airport payment service demonstration zones and the payment service centers to create the first "inbound consumer-friendly business district" in China. The city enabled the use of its urban rail transit network by tapping overseas bank cards on ticket gates, and launched a pilot program for foreigners to obtain SIM cards through "online application and offline collection". The city also enriched its offerings for inbound tourists, including "Strolling Along the Central Axis", "Cycling Along the Central Axis", "Beautiful Central Axis", the unique cultural tourism night-tour project at the Liangma River International Waterfront, and the trendy copyrighted toys of POP LAND. These products have attracted a large number of foreign visitors. Meanwhile, the city provided more convenient services. Specifically, nearly 18,000 key businesses citywide accepted foreign bank cards for payment; 11,400 ATMs supported withdrawals with foreign bank cards; and the BEIJING PASS cards were introduced for foreign nationals. In addition, Beijing hosted a series of brand-building events such as "Hello, Beijing" themed events 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 its inbound tourism sector to strive 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 enhance the operations of the "Beijing Service" airport service counters, promote the recovery of the number of international flights, streamline exit-entry procedures, improve its international language environment, and build barrier-free payment service zones.

(Source: Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism)