Landscape with mountains on the lake named Pagong Tso or Pagong Lake, situated on the border with India and China, Leh, Ladakh, India. one of the world's highest brackish water lakesTourism between India and China is witnessing a gradual yet meaningful revival, driven by eased visa policies, restored air connectivity, stronger trade engagement and renewed people-to-people exchanges. After several years of limited mobility, both countries are signalling a cautious but clear reset, with tourism emerging as a key bridge of trust amid shifting geopolitical and economic dynamics.
This revival comes as India–China bilateral trade touches record highs and travel channels reopen, rebuilding the foundations for tourism growth across leisure, spiritual and business segments.
- Visa Eased and Restarted
One of the most important catalysts has been India’s decision to resume issuing visas to Chinese travellers. Last year, India restarted tourist visas and reopened e-visas for Chinese nationals after nearly five years, sending a strong signal of intent to revive tourism and business exchanges.
The impact has been immediate for Indian destinations popular with Chinese visitors. The Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya remains a major draw for Chinese Buddhists, supported by nearby spiritual sites such as Nalanda, Rajgir and Vaishali. The Golden Triangle of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur also continues to attract strong interest.
Historically, Chinese travellers have been significant contributors to India’s foreign tourist arrivals, and their return promises a welcome boost to local economies through sightseeing, shopping, gastronomy and cultural tours. In a reciprocal move, China’s reopening of the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra route to Indian pilgrims has further reinforced improving tourism ties rooted in shared spiritual heritage.
- Flights Increased
Improved air connectivity is accelerating the revival. Flight operations between India and China have resumed, restoring direct links suspended during the pandemic period.
Air India has announced plans to resume non-stop services to mainland China, including flights to Shanghai from February 2026. Industry reports indicate that India, China and Southeast Asia are currently driving air travel growth across the region, supported by expanding airline capacity and rising demand.
Enhanced connectivity is making travel more convenient and cost-effective, a critical factor in rebuilding tourism volumes and encouraging both leisure and business travel.
- Trade Improved
Tourism revival is unfolding alongside strengthening economic engagement. China remains India’s largest source of merchandise imports, highlighting the depth of bilateral economic interdependence.
India–China trade reached a record USD 155.6 billion in 2025, growing over 12 percent year-on-year. The gradual normalisation of ties is partly driven by changing global trade equations, as both countries recalibrate supply chains and regional partnerships.
Stronger trade relations typically generate higher business travel, MICE movements and corporate exchanges, all of which support tourism growth and aviation demand.
- Improved Leisure and Cultural Tourism
Leisure travel is also gaining momentum alongside pilgrimage tourism. Indian travellers are rediscovering China’s iconic attractions, including Shanghai’s futuristic skyline and the Bund, Xi’an’s Terracotta Army, and Beijing’s Great Wall and Forbidden City.
Emerging destinations are attracting growing interest. Chongqing, known for its dramatic “5D” cyberpunk cityscape, Chengdu with its Giant Panda reserves and Sichuan cuisine, and Zhangjiajie’s mystical mountain landscapes — which inspired the film Avatar — are becoming popular additions to itineraries.
On the Indian side, Chinese travellers continue to favour cultural landmarks, heritage sites and curated multi-city experiences, boosting local tourism economies.
- Stronger Industry and People-to-People Engagement
Travel companies and airlines are playing a key role in rebuilding confidence. Indian tour operators have launched expanded China holiday portfolios, while airlines are restoring capacity and routes.
Beyond economics, tourism is re-emerging as a channel for cultural dialogue and mutual understanding. Spiritual tourism, cultural exchanges and leisure travel together are helping rebuild trust and revive long-standing civilisational connections.
While the recovery remains gradual, the trajectory is clear: India and China are steadily reopening doors — in the skies, at borders and between their people — positioning tourism as a quiet but powerful force in strengthening bilateral ties.
