Beyond the buzz: How Chongqing turns online fame into lasting tourism appeal

Connecting Chongqing with global visitors

To attract more international travelers, Chongqing has strengthened its global tourism promotion efforts and introduced new branding campaigns to showcase the city's landscapes, culture and urban charm.

The city has also used international influencers and public figures to showcase its urban landscapes and cultural experiences. Videos featuring foreign visitors exploring Chongqing's monorail, night views, Sichuan opera, and local cuisine have gained widespread attention online.

Meanwhile, Chongqing has improved services for overseas tourists by introducing more convenient entry procedures, multilingual signage, 24-hour tax refund services and customized travel routes.

A drone light show illuminates the night sky over Chongqing. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

These efforts have contributed to growth in inbound tourism. In 2025, Chongqing received nearly 2.15 million inbound tourists. In the first quarter of 2026, inbound tourist arrivals increased 60.3% year on year, with strong growth from Southeast Asia, Europe and the Americas. In May, Chongqing was named one of China’s most popular tourism destinations among international visitors.

As Chongqing continues to improve its tourism infrastructure and international services, the city aims to further strengthen its role as a global tourism destination connecting Chinese culture with the world.