Qingdao is experiencing a significant surge in inbound tourism, with around 140,000 foreign travelers entering through Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport since the beginning of the year—an increase of over 40 percent year-on-year. The majority of these visitors hail from South Korea, Japan, Australia, Malaysia, and the United States, with 69 percent entering visa-free.

The city has become a popular gateway to China, especially amid growing enthusiasm for "China Travel". Thanks to expanded visa-free transit policies, including the new 240-hour transit visa exemption, foreign travelers from 54 countries—including the UK, US, Canada, and Russia—are choosing Qingdao as their entry point.

On April 23, China and Azerbaijan signed a mutual visa exemption agreement, further boosting interest in travel. During the upcoming May Day holiday, Qingdao ranks among China's top 10 inbound tourism destinations, with bookings up 152 percent from last year.

Qingdao continues enhancing its travel infrastructure, offering multilingual services, one-stop foreign traveler centers, and expanding its global air network. Direct international flights now link Qingdao with major global cities including Seoul, Tokyo, Dubai, and London, with a new route to London Gatwick set to launch in June 2025.

Combining rich natural beauty, cultural attractions, and a thriving cruise tourism sector, Qingdao is reinforcing its position as a leading international coastal tourism hub.