In 2025, China's travel service exports reached 393.98 billion yuan (approximately US$57.8 billion), representing a 49.5 percent year-on-year increase. This performance made travel services the fastest-growing segment of the country's service exports, underscoring the increasingly important role of international tourism as a source of revenue for the Chinese economy.
The report attributes much of this growth to the rising popularity of "Shopping in China," as more international visitors make shopping a central part of their travel experience. The trend has not only increased tourist spending during their stay but has also encouraged more diversified consumption, benefiting retailers, shopping malls, domestic and international brands, as well as small businesses specializing in traditional crafts and high-tech products.
Beyond its immediate economic impact, researchers believe the trend is helping optimize the structure of China's trade in services. The growing number of international tourists drawn by shopping, culture, cuisine, and local experiences is increasing the value added by the tourism sector, enhancing its competitiveness while creating new business opportunities for companies serving international visitors.
The analysis also highlights the importance of the overall visitor experience in driving this transformation. In addition to shopping, international travelers participate in cultural activities, visit historical landmarks, enjoy regional cuisine, and make use of a broad range of tourism-related services, all of which amplify the economic contribution of each trip. This combination makes tourism one of the sectors with the greatest capacity to stimulate growth across multiple industries simultaneously.
The benefits extend well beyond China's domestic market. According to the report, the continued expansion of shopping tourism is also contributing to the recovery of the global tourism services market, particularly following the challenges experienced by the industry in recent years. Rising international travel is encouraging greater cross-border flows of people, investment, and commercial activity, strengthening economic ties between China and countries around the world.
The report further notes that the development of this trend is generating multiplier effects across a range of tourism-related industries. These include air transportation, financial services, insurance, and other sectors involved in facilitating international travel. Increased demand for flights, international payment services, insurance coverage, and specialized travel solutions is creating new business opportunities for both Chinese enterprises and foreign companies operating in these industries.
Analysts say the phenomenon reflects a broader shift in how international consumers perceive China as a travel destination. Shopping is no longer viewed as a secondary activity but has become one of the primary motivations for visiting the country. This evolution has been supported by an increasingly diverse retail landscape, technological innovation, high-quality products, and the integration of cultural experiences that enrich visitors' stays.
According to the report, the continued growth of shopping tourism demonstrates how economic openness and the expansion of the services sector can generate shared benefits for both China and the global economy. As this travel segment continues to gain momentum, it is expected to diversify international trade in services, support the recovery of global tourism, and foster deeper economic cooperation across international markets.
