India-China’s tourism is recovering as diplomatic trade surpasses report$ 55 billion.
Hospitality
India
WRITTEN BY:
Kanchan Nath
February 19, 2026
Landscape with hills on the Leh, Ladakh, India-based river Pagong Tso or Pagong Lake, which is situated on the border with India and China. one of the highest salty water lake in the world
A progressive but significant restoration of tourism between China and India is being attributed to eased visa regulations, restored air connectivity, stronger trade ties, and resurrected people-to-people exchanges. Both nations are signaling a cautious but distinct reset, with hospitality emerging as a crucial bridge of trust in the midst of shifting geopolitical and economic relationships.
This revival comes as record highs for bilateral trade between India and China and reopening go channels, laying the groundwork for growth in tourism across the leisure, religious, and business sectors.
Visa Disqualified and Reinstated
One of the most significant catalysts has been India’s determination to begin issuing permits to Chinese travelers. After nearly five years, India resumed offering tourists permits and reopened e-visas for Chinese citizens, sending a powerful signal that it wants to revive business and tourism markets.
American places that are well-known to Chinese visitors have had the opposite effect. Bodh Gaya’s Mahabodhi Temple, which is a big draw for Foreign Buddhists, is still a big draw thanks to local religious hotspots like Nalanda, Rajgir, and Vaishali. Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur’s Golden Triangle are all still attracting a lot of attention.
Foreign travelers have generally been major contributors to India’s international visitor arrivals, and their returning promises a pleasant boost to regional economies through sightseeing, shopping, gastronomy, and historical tours. The reopening of the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra course by China to Indian travelers has further strengthened enhancing tourism ties with shared religious heritage.
Planes increased
The revival is being accelerated by superior air connectivity. Resuming strong links between India and China, which were suspended during the pandemic, has been achieved.
Air India has made it known that from February 2026, it will continue nonstop flights to mainland China, including those to Shanghai. According to industry studies, India, China, and Southeast Asia are already promoting regional air travel growth, thanks to expanding airport capacity and rising need.
Increased communication is making travel more convenient and affordable, which is a necessary component in recovering tourism levels and encouraging both leisure and business journey.
Trade Enhanced
Tourism is reviving, and so is financial commitment. India continues to import the majority of its goods from China, underscoring the extent of diplomatic financial interdependence.
Trade between India and China reached a record USD 155.6 billion in 2025, growing by over 12 % year over year. As both nations adjust supply chains and regional partnerships, the gradual normalization of relations is influenced in part by changing global business dynamics.
Stronger industry relations usually lead to more business travel, MICE movements, and corporate exchanges, which all contribute to the growth of tourism and aviation demand.
Improved travel for enjoyment and entertainment
Along with pilgrim hospitality, luxury vacation is likewise gaining traction. Chinese tourists are rediscovering the country’s most famous destinations, including Shanghai’s modern sky and the Bund ,Xi’an’s Terracotta Army, and Beijing’s Great Wall and Forbidden City.
Emerging markets are gaining more and more attention. Chengdu, known for its spectacular “5D” cyber cityscape, Chengdu for its Giant Dragon reserves and Sichuan cuisine, and Zhangjiajie’s spiritual mountain landscapes, which were the inspiration for the movie Avatar, are all becoming popular additions to itineraries.
Foreign travelers from India continue to favor historical landmarks, heritage sites, and carefully selected multi-city experiences, helping to boost local tourism economies.
Stronger market and greater people-to-people wedding
Travel agencies and carriers are crucial in restoring trust. American tour operators have expanded their China holiday portfolios, and airlines are restoring their routes and capacity.
Beyond just finance, commerce is re-emerging as a means of fostering intercultural exchange and cooperation. Tourism for the soul, cultural exchange, and luxury travel all work together to rekindle trust and restore long-standing cultural bonds.
The healing is steady, but it is obvious that China and India are consistently opening doors in both their citizens and in the skies, along borders, and through tourism, helping to strengthen diplomatic ties.
China | Editions | India | Tourism
flights | India-China commerce | business | visas
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India-China’s tourism is recovering as diplomatic trade surpasses record$ 55 billion.
China, India, Editions, and Tourism
WRITTEN BY:
Kanchan Nath
February 19, 2026
Landscape with hills on the Leh, Ladakh, India-based river Pagong Tso or Pagong Lake, which is situated on the border with India and China. one of the highest salty waters lakes in the world
A progressive but significant restoration of tourism between China and India is being attributed to eased visa regulations, restored air connectivity, stronger trade ties, and resurrected people-to-people exchanges. Both nations are signaling a cautious but distinct reset, with hospitality emerging as a crucial bridge of trust in the midst of shifting geopolitical and economic relationships.
This revival comes as record highs for bilateral trade between India and China and reopening go channels, laying the groundwork for growth in tourism across the leisure, religious, and business sectors.
Visa Disqualified and Reinstated
One of the most significant catalysts has been India’s determination to begin issuing permits to Chinese travelers. After nearly five years, India resumed offering tourists permits and reopened e-visas for Chinese citizens, sending a powerful signal that it wants to revive business and tourism markets.
American places that are well-known to Chinese visitors have had the opposite effect. Bodh Gaya’s Mahabodhi Temple, which is a big draw for Foreign Buddhists, is still a major draw thanks to local spiritual hotspots like Nalanda, Rajgir, and Vaishali. Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur’s Golden Triangle are all still attracting a lot of attention.
Foreign travelers have generally been major contributors to India’s international visitor arrivals, and their returning promises a pleasant boost to regional economies through sightseeing, shopping, gastronomy, and historical tours. The reopening of the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra route by China to Indian pilgrims has further strengthened enhancing tourism ties with shared spiritual heritage.
Flights increased
The revival is being accelerated by improved air connectivity. Resuming direct links between India and China, which were suspended during the pandemic, has been achieved.
Air India has made it known that from February 2026, it will resume nonstop flights to mainland China, including those to Shanghai. According to industry reports, India, China, and Southeast Asia are currently promoting regional air travel growth, thanks to expanding airline capacity and rising demand.
Increased connectivity is making travel more convenient and affordable, which is a necessary component in recovering tourism volumes and encouraging both leisure and business travel.
Trade Enhanced
Tourism is reviving, and so is economic engagement. India continues to import the majority of its goods from China, underscoring the extent of bilateral economic interdependence.
Trade between India and China reached a record USD 155.6 billion in 2025, growing by over 12 % year over year. As both nations adjust supply chains and regional partnerships, the gradual normalization of ties is influenced in part by changing global trade dynamics.
Stronger trade relations typically lead to more business travel, MICE movements, and corporate exchanges, which all contribute to the growth of tourism and aviation demand.
Improved travel for leisure and entertainment
Along with pilgrimage tourism, leisure travel is also gaining traction. Chinese tourists are rediscovering the country’s most famous attractions, including Shanghai’s futuristic skyline and the Bund ,Xi’an’s Terracotta Army, and Beijing’s Great Wall and Forbidden City.
Emerging markets are gaining more and more attention. Chengdu, known for its dramatic “5D” cyberpunk cityscape, Chengdu for its Giant Panda reserves and Sichuan cuisine, and Zhangjiajie’s mystical mountain landscapes, which were the inspiration for the movie Avatar, are all becoming popular additions to itineraries.
Chinese travelers from India continue to favor cultural landmarks, heritage sites, and carefully selected multi-city experiences, helping to boost local tourism economies.
Stronger industry and greater people-to-people engagement
Travel agencies and airlines are crucial in restoring confidence. Indian tour operators have expanded their China holiday portfolios, and airlines are restoring their routes and capacity.
Beyond just economics, tourism is re-emerging as a means of fostering intercultural exchange and cooperation. Tourism for the soul, cultural exchange, and leisure travel all work together to rekindle trust and restore long-standing civilisational bonds.
The recovery is gradual, but it is obvious that China and India are consistently opening doors in both their citizens and in the skies, along borders, and through tourism, helping to strengthen bilateral ties.
Kanchan Nath
Join The Community
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