https://explorechinaholidays.com/news Latest China travel news, visa updates, and destination guides for travellers from Australia. en-AU Sat, 02 May 2026 06:30:07 GMT https://explorechinaholidays.com/favicon.ico https://explorechinaholidays.com https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-05-02-au-china-eastern-airlines-launches-direct-shanghai-tbilisi-route-on-july-15 https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-05-02-au-china-eastern-airlines-launches-direct-shanghai-tbilisi-route-on-july-15 **China Eastern Airlines Launches Direct Shanghai-Tbilisi Route on July 15** China Eastern Airlines will introduce direct flights between Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Tbilisi, Georgia's capital, starting July 15, 2026, marking the airline's first route to Georgia. According to China Da flights Sat, 02 May 2026 06:30:07 GMT https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-05-01-au-china-tourism-update-1-may-2026 https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-05-01-au-china-tourism-update-1-may-2026 China's tourism sector is experiencing a massive Labour Day holiday surge, with the transport network projected to handle a record **1.52 billion cross-regional trips** from April 29 to May 5, averaging 304 million trips per day—a 4% increase from last year. According to the Ministry of Transport, r tourism Fri, 01 May 2026 06:30:08 GMT https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-30-au-china-flights-update-30-april-2026 https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-30-au-china-flights-update-30-april-2026 Chinese airlines are rapidly expanding their international flight networks, with multiple new routes launching across Europe and beyond to capitalise on growing travel demand. **European expansion leads the charge.** Air China is launching four weekly flights between Beijing and Venice this summer flights Thu, 30 Apr 2026 06:30:10 GMT https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-30-au-china-visa-update-30-april-2026 https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-30-au-china-visa-update-30-april-2026 **China's visa-free policies for tourists remain stable and extended through at least the end of 2026, offering Australian travellers seamless access without a visa for short stays.** Ordinary passport holders from 50 countries enjoy unilateral 30-day visa-free entry, while 55 countries benefit from visa Thu, 30 Apr 2026 06:30:07 GMT https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-29-au-china-policy-update-29-april-2026 https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-29-au-china-policy-update-29-april-2026 China's hospitality sector is experiencing significant expansion, with major international hotel groups announcing new luxury and lifestyle properties across key regions. **Xiong'an New Area Development** The **Langham Hospitality Group** is bringing both its upscale Cordis Hotels & Resorts and up policy Wed, 29 Apr 2026 06:30:09 GMT https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-29-au-china-tourism-update-29-april-2026 https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-29-au-china-tourism-update-29-april-2026 China's border ports are gearing up for a record **May Day holiday rush** from May 1-5, with average daily cross-border passenger flows projected at 2.25 million and a single-day peak exceeding 2.4 million. Major airports like Shanghai Pudong (102,000 daily crossings), Guangzhou Baiyun (55,000), and tourism Wed, 29 Apr 2026 06:30:08 GMT https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-29-au-china-flights-update-29-april-2026 https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-29-au-china-flights-update-29-april-2026 **China Eastern Airlines has launched new direct flights from Xi'an to Vienna and announced Shanghai-Tbilisi services starting July 15, enhancing international access to China for Australian travellers.** These routes operated by the Shanghai-based carrier include three weekly Vienna-Xi'an flights o flights Wed, 29 Apr 2026 06:30:07 GMT https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-28-au-china-policy-update-28-april-2026 https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-28-au-china-policy-update-28-april-2026 China's hospitality sector is experiencing significant expansion, with major luxury and lifestyle hotel developments underway across key regions to meet growing tourism demand. **Xiong'an New Area Emerges as Hospitality Hub** Langham Hospitality Group has announced plans to open **Cordis Hotels & policy Tue, 28 Apr 2026 06:30:12 GMT https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-28-au-china-anticipates-record-cross-border-travel-surge-for-may-day-holiday https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-28-au-china-anticipates-record-cross-border-travel-surge-for-may-day-holiday **China Anticipates Record Cross-Border Travel Surge for May Day Holiday** China is preparing for a historic influx of cross-border travellers during the May Day holiday from May 1 to 5, 2026, with daily inbound and outbound passenger flows averaging 2.25 million and peaking above 2.4 million on th tourism Tue, 28 Apr 2026 06:30:09 GMT https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-28-au-china-s-expanded-transit-visa-free-transit-options-ease-2026-travel-for-australi https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-28-au-china-s-expanded-transit-visa-free-transit-options-ease-2026-travel-for-australi **China's Expanded Transit Visa-Free Transit Options Ease 2026 Travel for Australian Visitors** China has enhanced its visa-free transit policies for 2026, making short stopovers more convenient for tourists from eligible nationalities, including Australians. Beijing now offers a streamlined 240-ho visa Tue, 28 Apr 2026 06:30:08 GMT https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-27-au-china-visa-update-27-april-2026 https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-27-au-china-visa-update-27-april-2026 China's visa-free policies are delivering record results for 2026, with **foreign arrivals up 34 percent** in the first quarter compared to the same period last year, driven by expanded access and streamlined processing.[1][5] ## Expanded Visa-Free Access **50 countries** now enjoy unilateral 30-d visa Mon, 27 Apr 2026 06:30:10 GMT https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-27-au-etihad-airways-expands-china-network-with-new-routes-from-abu-dhabi-boosting-opt https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-27-au-etihad-airways-expands-china-network-with-new-routes-from-abu-dhabi-boosting-opt **Etihad Airways Expands China Network with New Routes from Abu Dhabi, Boosting Options for Australian Travellers** Etihad Airways, based in the UAE, is launching five new direct routes from Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport to key Chinese cities including Shanghai (Pudong), Guangzhou, Chengd flights Mon, 27 Apr 2026 06:30:09 GMT https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-27-au-guangxi-s-sanyuesan-festival-draws-record-crowds-with-cultural-experiences-for-a https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-27-au-guangxi-s-sanyuesan-festival-draws-record-crowds-with-cultural-experiences-for-a **Guangxi's Sanyuesan Festival Draws Record Crowds with Cultural Experiences for Australian Travellers** Guangxi's vibrant Sanyuesan Festival, a love-themed cultural celebration, is surging in popularity among domestic and international visitors, offering Australian travellers authentic ethnic expe tourism Mon, 27 Apr 2026 06:30:09 GMT https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-26-au-chinese-cultural-festivals-spring-and-summer-events-for-australian-travellers https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-26-au-chinese-cultural-festivals-spring-and-summer-events-for-australian-travellers # Chinese Cultural Festivals: Spring and Summer Events for Australian Travellers **Guangxi's ethnic cultural festival is experiencing explosive growth**, with Meituan Travel reporting a 361-percent year-on-year increase in bookings for cultural and tourism activities in the region between April 17 culture Sun, 26 Apr 2026 14:08:45 GMT https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-26-au-chongqing-emerges-as-china-s-must-visit-cyberpunk-city-for-australian-travellers https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-26-au-chongqing-emerges-as-china-s-must-visit-cyberpunk-city-for-australian-travellers **Chongqing Emerges as China's Must-Visit 'Cyberpunk City' for Australian Travellers** Chongqing has surged in popularity as one of China's top travel hotspots, drawing international visitors with its stunning mountainous urban landscapes often dubbed 'cyberpunk' on social media. According to South tourism Sun, 26 Apr 2026 14:08:41 GMT https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-25-au-langham-hospitality-group-announces-cordis-and-ying-nflo-hotels-in-xiong-an-new- https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-25-au-langham-hospitality-group-announces-cordis-and-ying-nflo-hotels-in-xiong-an-new- **Langham Hospitality Group Announces Cordis and Ying'nFlo Hotels in Xiong'an New Area by 2028** Langham Hospitality Group is set to introduce its upscale **Cordis Hotels & Resorts** and lifestyle-focused **Ying'nFlo** brands to China's Xiong'an New Area, with both properties slated to open by 2028 policy Sat, 25 Apr 2026 06:30:07 GMT https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-25-au-daming-ancient-city-in-hebei-province-blooms-with-vibrant-night-economy https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-25-au-daming-ancient-city-in-hebei-province-blooms-with-vibrant-night-economy **Daming Ancient City in Hebei Province Blooms with Vibrant Night Economy** China Daily reports that the ancient city of Daming in Hebei Province has transformed into a must-visit nightlife hub, blending thousand-year-old heritage with modern vibrancy. As night falls, illuminated city walls and str tourism Sat, 25 Apr 2026 06:30:07 GMT https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-24-au-china-policy-update-24-april-2026 https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-24-au-china-policy-update-24-april-2026 **Langham Hospitality Group is set to introduce two new hotels in Xiong'an New Area, enhancing northern China's tourism infrastructure for international visitors by 2028.** According to Travel and Tour World, the Cordis hotel will offer upscale accommodations with modern amenities, while the Ying'nF policy Fri, 24 Apr 2026 06:30:08 GMT https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-24-au-china-flights-update-24-april-2026 https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-24-au-china-flights-update-24-april-2026 Several new international flight routes to China have been announced recently, enhancing connectivity for travellers from key Asian hubs and beyond. South Korea's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport has allocated traffic rights for expanded Korea-China routes, including new direct flights flights Fri, 24 Apr 2026 06:30:08 GMT https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-24-au-china-visa-update-24-april-2026 https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-24-au-china-visa-update-24-april-2026 **China's Foreign Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to the expanded 30-day visa-free policy for travellers from 48 countries on 23 April 2026, following a nearly 30% surge in visa-free arrivals during Q1 2026.** According to Global Times, spokesperson Guo Jiakun urged more foreign visitors to utili visa Fri, 24 Apr 2026 06:30:07 GMT https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-23-au-china-policy-update-23-april-2026 https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-23-au-china-policy-update-23-april-2026 China's hospitality sector is experiencing significant expansion, with major hotel brands announcing new properties and cultural experiences across emerging and established destinations. **Xiong'an New Area** is positioning itself as a future tourism hub, with Langham Hospitality Group set to open policy Thu, 23 Apr 2026 06:30:10 GMT https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-23-au-china-visa-update-23-april-2026 https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-23-au-china-visa-update-23-april-2026 **China has extended its 30-day visa-free entry scheme through 31 December 2026, explicitly including Australia among nearly 50 eligible countries for Australian tourists.** This unilateral policy, confirmed by China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 15 April 2026, allows ordinary passport holders fr visa Thu, 23 Apr 2026 06:30:08 GMT https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-22-au-china-culture-update-22-april-2026 https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-22-au-china-culture-update-22-april-2026 Shanghai's Fuxing Island Music Fest, set for May 1-2, 2026, promises an exciting blend of music and art for Australian travellers seeking immersive cultural experiences. Hosted at this creative landmark in Yangpu district, the event will feature live performances amid Shanghai's vibrant urban scener culture Wed, 22 Apr 2026 06:30:12 GMT https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-22-au-china-policy-update-22-april-2026 https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-22-au-china-policy-update-22-april-2026 Langham Hospitality Group has announced **The Langham Jinan**, a luxury beachfront hotel in Shandong Province's capital, set to open in 2026. According to Travel and Tour World, this development expands China's luxury hospitality sector, offering Australian travellers premium beachfront stays near J policy Wed, 22 Apr 2026 06:30:07 GMT https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-21-au-accor-hits-milestone-with-800th-hotel-in-china-plans-to-double-portfolio-for-aus https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-21-au-accor-hits-milestone-with-800th-hotel-in-china-plans-to-double-portfolio-for-aus **Accor Hits Milestone with 800th Hotel in China, Plans to Double Portfolio for Australian Travellers** Accor has opened its 800th hotel in China, marking a significant expansion in tourism infrastructure, with plans to add another 800 properties over the next five to six years. This growth targets policy Tue, 21 Apr 2026 06:30:10 GMT https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-21-au-china-flights-update-21-april-2026 https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-21-au-china-flights-update-21-april-2026 **China Eastern Airlines has launched a new direct route from Xi'an to Vienna, operating three times weekly from 20 April 2026.** This service uses Airbus A330-200 aircraft on flights MU777/778 every Monday, Thursday, and Saturday, reducing travel time by at least three hours compared to one-stop op flights Tue, 21 Apr 2026 06:30:09 GMT https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-21-au-china-s-expanded-30-day-visa-free-policy-boosts-2026-travel-options-for-australi https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-21-au-china-s-expanded-30-day-visa-free-policy-boosts-2026-travel-options-for-australi **China's Expanded 30-Day Visa-Free Policy Boosts 2026 Travel Options for Australians** China's 30-day visa-free entry scheme, extended through at least 31 December 2026, now covers a wide array of nationalities for tourism, business, family visits, exchanges, and transit, making short-stay plannin visa Tue, 21 Apr 2026 06:30:08 GMT https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-20-au-china-flights-update-20-april-2026 https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-20-au-china-flights-update-20-april-2026 **Etihad Airways Announces Five New Routes from Abu Dhabi to Major Chinese Cities, Boosting Connectivity for Australian Travellers** Etihad Airways is launching five new direct routes from Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport (AUH) to key Chinese destinations: Shanghai Pudong (PVG, 7 weekly flig flights Mon, 20 Apr 2026 06:30:08 GMT https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-19-au-chinese-cultural-festivals-your-guide-to-upcoming-events https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-19-au-chinese-cultural-festivals-your-guide-to-upcoming-events # Chinese Cultural Festivals: Your Guide to Upcoming Events China's calendar is filled with vibrant cultural celebrations that offer travellers authentic experiences. Here are the key festivals and events worth planning around for your next trip. ## Spring and Early Summer Events The **2026 Shang culture Sun, 19 Apr 2026 06:30:10 GMT https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-19-au-china-policy-update-19-april-2026 https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-19-au-china-policy-update-19-april-2026 **Sofitel Changzhou Hi-Tech District has opened as a major new luxury hotel in Jiangsu Province, marking Accor's 800th property in Greater China.** According to Paullo Travel and The Traveler, this 293-room hotel launched in late March 2026 in Changzhou’s High-Speed Rail New Town, overlooking Xinlon policy Sun, 19 Apr 2026 06:30:08 GMT https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-19-au-china-flights-update-19-april-2026 https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-19-au-china-flights-update-19-april-2026 **Etihad Airways is launching five new direct routes from Abu Dhabi to key Chinese cities—Shanghai Pudong, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Hangzhou, and Shenzhen—adding 28 weekly flights and boosting total services to China to 35 per week.** According to Etihad's official announcement and reports from Aviation flights Sun, 19 Apr 2026 06:30:08 GMT https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-18-au-china-visa-update-18-april-2026 https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-18-au-china-visa-update-18-april-2026 **China has extended its 30-day visa-free entry policy for Australian passport holders until 31 December 2026, making it easier for travellers to explore the country without a prior visa application.** This builds on recent expansions, with 8.32 million foreigners entering visa-free in Q1 2026—a 29. visa Sat, 18 Apr 2026 06:30:07 GMT https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-18-au-china-tourism-update-18-april-2026 https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-18-au-china-tourism-update-18-april-2026 China's inbound tourism is surging, with 154.5 million visitors in 2025—a 17.1% year-on-year increase—and total spending reaching $131.1 billion, up 39.2%. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, China's travel economy grew 9.9% last year, more than double the global average, positioning it tourism Sat, 18 Apr 2026 06:30:06 GMT https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-18-au-china-flights-update-18-april-2026 https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-18-au-china-flights-update-18-april-2026 **Etihad Airways is launching five new routes from Abu Dhabi to key Chinese cities, boosting international access to China with 28 additional weekly flights starting late 2026.** According to Etihad's official announcement and Aviation Week, these include daily flights to **Shanghai Pudong (PVG)** f flights Sat, 18 Apr 2026 06:30:06 GMT https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-17-au-china-tourism-update-17-april-2026 https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-17-au-china-tourism-update-17-april-2026 **China's inbound tourism surges with 154.5 million visitors in 2025, up 17.1% year-on-year, positioning the country to potentially become the world's top tourism economy by 2030.** According to the Global Times, this growth outpaced the global average at 9.9% compared to 4.1%, driven by visa-free e tourism Fri, 17 Apr 2026 06:30:08 GMT https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-16-au-china-grants-30-day-visa-free-entry-for-uk-citizens-easing-travel-for-australian https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-16-au-china-grants-30-day-visa-free-entry-for-uk-citizens-easing-travel-for-australian **China Grants 30-Day Visa-Free Entry for UK Citizens, Easing Travel for Australians' European Layovers** China has introduced a 30-day visa-free entry policy for UK citizens, allowing British passport holders to explore the country without prior visa arrangements for short stays. According to Chin tourism Thu, 16 Apr 2026 06:30:09 GMT https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-16-au-luoyang-peony-festival-blooms-into-peak-season-for-australian-travellers https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-16-au-luoyang-peony-festival-blooms-into-peak-season-for-australian-travellers **Luoyang Peony Festival Blooms into Peak Season for Australian Travellers** Henan Province's **43rd China Luoyang Peony Cultural Festival** has hit its vibrant peak as of 15 April 2026, transforming the city—known as China's "Peony Capital"—into a springtime spectacle of thousands of blooming peon culture Thu, 16 Apr 2026 05:58:06 GMT https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-16-au-china-launches-nationwide-initiative-for-frictionless-travel-experience https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-16-au-china-launches-nationwide-initiative-for-frictionless-travel-experience **China Launches Nationwide Initiative for Frictionless Travel Experience** China Daily reports that a new "customer service upgrade" initiative, launched in late March 2026 by the Ministry of Commerce and other agencies, aims to streamline inbound tourism by removing bottlenecks in dining, accommo tourism Thu, 16 Apr 2026 05:58:05 GMT https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-16-au-china-visa-update-16-april-2026 https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-16-au-china-visa-update-16-april-2026 **China is expanding its visa-free entry policies for tourists in 2026, with plans to include more countries on the unilateral 30-day visa-free list and enhance 240-hour (10-day) transit options across 24 provinces, making it easier for Australian travellers to explore destinations like the Yangtze visa Thu, 16 Apr 2026 05:58:05 GMT https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-13-au-china-culture-update-13-april-2026 https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-13-au-china-culture-update-13-april-2026 **Chinese Culture Festival 2026 in Hong Kong** offers Australian travellers an immersive dive into ancient legends from June to September. Themed “Legends”, it spotlights folklore, Sui and Tang dynasty heritage, and Luoyang's historical charm through over 280 stage programs, film screenings, exhibit culture Mon, 13 Apr 2026 17:42:04 GMT https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-13-au-china-tourism-update-13-april-2026 https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-13-au-china-tourism-update-13-april-2026 **China's border authorities processed 185 million cross-border trips in Q1 2026, a 13.5% rise from last year, with foreign arrivals surging 30% thanks to expanded visa-free policies.** According to Xinhua, this includes streamlined customs in cities like Xiamen, where Australian tourist Kate praise tourism Mon, 13 Apr 2026 17:42:02 GMT https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-13-au-new-high-speed-rail-links-enhance-travel-across-central-china https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-13-au-new-high-speed-rail-links-enhance-travel-across-central-china ### New High-Speed Rail Links Enhance Travel Across Central China China Daily reports that a new high-speed rail line connecting Zhengzhou to Luoyang in Henan province officially opened on 10 April 2026, slashing travel time between these ancient cultural hubs from over two hours to just 30 minutes tourism Mon, 13 Apr 2026 09:40:23 GMT https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-13-au-hainan-airlines-expands-southeast-asia-routes-with-new-direct-bali-haikou-flight https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-13-au-hainan-airlines-expands-southeast-asia-routes-with-new-direct-bali-haikou-flight ### Hainan Airlines Expands Southeast Asia Routes with New Direct Bali–Haikou Flights Hainan Airlines has announced new direct flights from Bali's Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) to Haikou Meilan International Airport (HAK) in Hainan province, starting 1 June 2026. Operating three times week flights Mon, 13 Apr 2026 09:40:21 GMT https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-13-au-china-visa-update-13-april-2026 https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-13-au-china-visa-update-13-april-2026 China's visa policies for 2026 continue to prioritise ease for tourists through expanded visa-free entry and streamlined processes, making it simpler for Australian travellers to explore its diverse destinations. On 20 March 2026, the Ministry of Commerce and eight other departments issued the “Poli visa Mon, 13 Apr 2026 09:40:18 GMT https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-12-au-china-culture-update-12-april-2026 https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-12-au-china-culture-update-12-april-2026 **Hong Kong's Chinese Culture Festival 2026 offers Australian travellers a captivating dive into Chinese legends and folklore from June to September.** Themed “Legends”, this flagship event in Hong Kong reinterprets timeless stories, Sui and Tang Dynasty cultures, and focuses on Luoyang through inno culture Sun, 12 Apr 2026 12:43:41 GMT https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-10-au-exciting-new-international-flight-routes-to-china-for-australian-travellers https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-10-au-exciting-new-international-flight-routes-to-china-for-australian-travellers **Exciting New International Flight Routes to China for Australian Travellers** China Eastern Airlines is expanding its European network with two new direct routes ideal for Australian travellers connecting via major hubs. The airline will launch nonstop Shanghai-Zurich flights on June 18, operatin flights Fri, 10 Apr 2026 12:13:37 GMT https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-09-au-china-culture-update-9-april-2026 https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-09-au-china-culture-update-9-april-2026 China offers a diverse calendar of cultural festivals and events that showcase traditional heritage alongside contemporary experiences, making them excellent additions to any travel itinerary. ## Upcoming Major Festivals **Dai Water Splashing Festival** takes place in mid-April (around April 13–15 culture Thu, 09 Apr 2026 08:38:10 GMT https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-09-au-china-visa-update-9-april-2026 https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-09-au-china-visa-update-9-april-2026 **China's visa-free policies for tourists remain stable for 2026, with no new updates affecting Australian travellers beyond the existing visa-free entry extended through the year.** Australians continue to enjoy seamless access for short stays, allowing more time to explore destinations like the Gr visa Thu, 09 Apr 2026 08:38:03 GMT https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-09-au-beijing-boosts-inbound-tourism-with-new-2026-policies https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-09-au-beijing-boosts-inbound-tourism-with-new-2026-policies **Beijing Boosts Inbound Tourism with New 2026 Policies** Beijing has introduced strengthened tourism policies in 2026 aimed at attracting more international visitors like Australians, with a focus on improved services and enhanced regulatory oversight to position the capital as a premier global tr tourism Thu, 09 Apr 2026 08:38:03 GMT https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-09-au-china-policy-update-9-april-2026 https://explorechinaholidays.com/news/2026-04-09-au-china-policy-update-9-april-2026 Accor has celebrated a milestone with the grand opening of its 800th hotel in Greater China, the **Sofitel Changzhou Hi-Tech District**, offering Australian travellers a luxurious new base to explore Jiangsu province's innovative landscapes. According to Hospitality Net, this shining tower provides policy Thu, 09 Apr 2026 08:29:12 GMT