From June 1–6, 2026, the 2026 Beijing Inbound Tourism Development Conference was held in Beijing, co-organized by the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism and the Bureau of International Exchange and Cooperation of China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Focusing on immersive experiences and real-world tourism resources, the event aims to enhance Beijing’s inbound tourism offerings, stimulate cultural and tourism consumption, and strengthen the city’s global appeal.

Supported by major airlines including Air China and Cathay Pacific, the conference welcomed more than 300 travel trade professionals from over 40 countries and regions, including the UK, US, Canada, Germany, Singapore, Malaysia, and Russia. Officials highlighted China’s strong inbound tourism performance in 2025, with 154.5 million inbound visits, 35.17 million international arrivals, and over 30 million visa-free entries.

Beijing continues to improve travel convenience through the 240-hour visa-free transit policy, streamlined airport procedures, and broader acceptance of international payment methods. The city is also expanding sectors such as MICE, sports tourism, and urban leisure tourism while strengthening overseas promotion through its “Go Beijing” platform.

Centered on the theme of immersive Chinese daily-life experiences, the conference launched the “Discover the New Beijing” Top 10 Inbound Tourism Experiences”, showcasing Beijing’s blend of traditional culture, local lifestyle, innovative retail, and technological advancement. In partnership with Booking.com, Tripadvisor, and more than 100 tourism experts, Beijing also introduced its first inbound tourism “Must-Eat” and “Must-Buy” lists, encouraging deeper cultural engagement beyond traditional sightseeing.

During the event, Beijing announced RMB 9 million in funding to support inbound tourism development and recognized outstanding local tourism enterprises. The city also welcomed 14 new overseas partners, bringing its global network of strategic tourism and OTA partners to 110.

Eight immersive inspection routes were introduced, connecting destinations such as Gubei Water Town, Huairou boutique homestays, Baidu’s autonomous driving showcase, and Shougang’s digital culture park. International delegates praised experiences including smart exoskeleton-assisted Great Wall tours and the integration of rural landscapes with Beijing’s historic heritage.

The conference also facilitated over 3,000 pre-arranged business meetings through its digital matchmaking platform. Concluding with a Beijing-style immersive performance at Tianqiao Performing Arts Center, the event reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to showcasing a vibrant, innovative, and globally connected modern Chinese capital.