Shanghai aims to generate more than 900 billion yuan in tourism revenue and welcome over 10 million foreign tourists annually by 2030 under its 15th Five-Year Plan for tourism. The strategy prioritises waterfront development, stronger international transport connections and improved services for overseas visitors.

The plan seeks to integrate urban tourism with culture, transport and digital services, strengthening Shanghai’s position as a major gateway for international visitors to China. It also envisages the city becoming a national model for integrating culture and tourism, with tourism’s value-added contribution reaching 5% of the local economy.

Shanghai reported tourism revenue of 672.365 billion yuan in 2025, representing average annual growth of 16.45% since 2020. The city welcomed 9.36 million foreign visitors that year, accounting for approximately one-fifth of China’s foreign tourist arrivals and ranking first nationally.

Development will follow a spatial framework of “seven tourism zones and one tourism belt.” The strategy includes upgrading existing attractions, developing new tourism centres and strengthening travel connections across the Yangtze River Delta.

Waterfront tourism along the Huangpu River and Suzhou Creek will feature prominently, with the Bund, Lujiazui and North Bund among the priority areas. Cultural activities will underpin development along the West Bund and Qiantan waterfronts, while the former World Expo site is set to accommodate a culture and creativity corridor. Plans for the Yangpu waterfront and Fuxing Island will connect industrial heritage with tourism.

To improve international accessibility, Shanghai plans to expand connections through its airports and cruise ports. Priorities include additional medium- and long-haul international flights, new air links to Belt and Road destinations and stronger connections with emerging tourism markets.

The strategy also calls for better air–rail and air–sea connections, simpler transfer procedures and tourism products designed specifically for transit passengers.

Services for foreign visitors will focus on entry and customs procedures, mobile connectivity, multilingual assistance, ticket reservations, mobile payments and tax refunds. A smart service platform will bring multiple visitor services together, alongside efforts to improve access to widely used mobile applications.

Multilingual services will be expanded at hotels, cultural centres, attractions and tourist information centres. Airports and major commercial areas are also expected to receive contactless payment terminals compatible with international payment methods. Shopping tax-refund procedures will be simplified, and the network of locations offering instant refunds will be extended.