Shanghai Outshines Tokyo as China Extends Visa-Free Entry, Drawing Young Korean Travelers
Creatrip Team
4 months ago
China’s extension of visa-free entry through the end of 2026 has triggered a surge in short urban trips from Korea, especially among MZ generation travelers. Flight sales to China rose sharply this year (Shanghai routes up 247%), and travel-booking transactions tripled. Popular trends include weekend 'night-owl' trips (flew Friday night, return Monday dawn), influencer-led experiences, skyline night tours, and city hip-spot itineraries combining cafes, high-end dining and shopping. Activities gaining traction are trying on traditional Chinese costumes such as hanfu (traditional Chinese clothing), Qing-dynasty princess outfits, Song-era armor, and premium qipao (cheongsam), plus influencer makeup sessions. Package travel demand is shifting: major cities like Shanghai and Qingdao now attract more 20–30-somethings, while nature destinations still draw older tourists. Chinese authorities said nationals of 43 countries, including Korea, can enter visa-free for stays up to 30 days for tourism, business, visiting relatives, exchanges, or transit until Dec 31, 2026. Travel industry sources see this as formalizing a renewed China city-travel boom.
