Shanghai, China’s bustling southern metropolis, has recorded a major rebound in inbound tourism, receiving over 9.36 million international visitors in 2025—a 39.6% increase compared with the previous year. The surge reflects rising demand from key global markets, longer visitor stays, and strong performance in the premium hotel segment.
The Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism reported that December alone saw 1.078 million inbound arrivals, up 45.6% year-on-year, underscoring the city’s renewed appeal as a premier international gateway in Asia. Overnight visitors, in particular, drove the recovery, with more than 1.03 million recorded in December—a 47.7% year-on-year increase—and a full-year total of 8.78 million, up 45.1%.
Strong Growth Across Key Source Markets
Inbound arrivals from major markets showed impressive growth throughout the year. South Korea emerged as the largest contributor, with visitor numbers more than doubling to 909,100, a 103.6% increase. Russia followed with a total of 385,100 arrivals, up 59.2%, while December alone saw arrivals surge 93.6%.
Other significant gains included Thailand, which contributed 513,700 visitors (up 70.2%), Indonesia (+62.1%), and Italy (+52.4%). Traditional markets such as Singapore, Malaysia, and Australia also posted robust growth of over 30%, resulting in a more diversified mix of regional and long-haul travellers.
Travel agencies played a pivotal role in facilitating this growth. Inbound trips organized through agencies nearly doubled, with 180,500 visitors booked during the year—a 97.4% year-on-year increase—including 13,300 in December alone (+102.5%). Overall, travel agencies welcomed 274,900 international visitors in 2025, with 231,700 overnight stays, reflecting both operational readiness and improving service capacity.
Accommodation Sector Sees Robust Recovery
Shanghai’s hotels and boutique properties benefited from rising international demand, visa-free policies, and the city’s distinctive urban and cultural attractions. Boutique hotels such as Yangtze Boutique Shanghai reported that 66% of guests were international, with Europeans representing the largest segment. Broadway Mansions Hotel, overlooking the Bund and Huangpu River, welcomed 20% international visitors, led by South Koreans, while Moller Villa and InterContinental Shanghai Ruijin recorded foreign guest shares of 21% and 25%, respectively.
Star-rated hotels maintained strong occupancy rates throughout the year. December occupancy for all lodging establishments stood at 63.3%, while star-rated hotels averaged 65.9% for the full year—up 2 percentage points from 2024. Five-star properties excelled in the premium segment, achieving 71.3% annual occupancy, with December reaching 70.7%, up 4.5 percentage points year-on-year. Average daily room rates rose to RMB 1,045.32 (USD 151.39) in December, a 9.3% increase, with the full-year average at RMB 978.80.
The data highlight Shanghai’s strengthened position as a leading urban destination in Asia, with growing appeal among both regional and long-haul travellers, and sustained demand across accommodation categories.
