Huge Boost to China Tourism with Introduction of Visa-free Travel

BASINGSTOKE, U.K. - Jan. 29, 2026 - PRLog -- Prime Minister Keir Starmer's visit to China has given UK tourism a huge boost, with an agreement with President Xi for visa-free travel for British visitors.

Comments Robin Ball, Director of UK specialist tour operator Bamboo Travel – which offers a choice of 24 itineraries to the country - "this is fabulous news for UK tour operators that sell holidays to China.

"We had already predicted that 2026 would be a great year to visit China, now that the country is fully reopened and welcoming international visitors with open arms, and the expanded high-speed rail network makes travelling easier than ever.

"There is so much to discover in this fascinating destination, which has stunning historical monuments, breathtaking natural scenery, fascinating ancient culture, high-tech mega-cities, and some of the best food on the planet, China really does have something to offer everyone."

First-time visitors can marvel at the Terracotta Warriors and the Forbidden City, hike along the Great Wall of China (https://clicks.bambootravel.co.uk/email/S-412857@4593458@...), gaze upon the futuristic skyline in Shanghai, (https://clicks.bambootravel.co.uk/email/S-412857@4593459@...) come face to face with the giant pandas, and take in the gorgeous scenery on a Li River Cruise (https://clicks.bambootravel.co.uk/email/S-412857@4593460@6DwgUWreSNjs-wGOyF_0_h0BoBYld44ofHXDbOtyxwc).

But there is much more to the country than just these classic highlights. China is one of the most rewarding destinations for return visitors, due to its sheer size and the huge variety of experiences and landscapes.

Once you have had your fill of the main highlights, there are many more places to visit to help you get further under the skin of the country. See jaw-dropping scenery at the national parks of Zhangjiajie (https://clicks.bambootravel.co.uk/email/S-412857@4593461@6DwgUWreSNjs-wGOyF_0_h0BoBYld44ofHXDbOtyxwc) and Jiuzhaigou (https://clicks.bambootravel.co.uk/email/S-412857@4593462@6DwgUWreSNjs-wGOyF_0_h0BoBYld44ofHXDbOtyxwc); travel by high-speed train along the ancient Silk Road; village-hop through rural Guizhou and Guangxi provinces (https://clicks.bambootravel.co.uk/email/S-412857@4593463@6DwgUWreSNjs-wGOyF_0_h0BoBYld44ofHXDbOtyxwc); stay in a unique tulou house in Fujian Province; walk among the rice terraces at Yuanyang or Longsheng; climb the sacred Buddhist mountain at Emei Shan (https://clicks.bambootravel.co.uk/email/S-412857@4593464@6DwgUWreSNjs-wGOyF_0_h0BoBYld44ofHXDbOtyxwc); or look into the eyes of the Giant Buddha in Leshan (https://clicks.bambootravel.co.uk/email/S-412857@4593465@6DwgUWreSNjs-wGOyF_0_h0BoBYld44ofHXDbOtyxwc).

One of Bamboo Travel's most popular trips is the 12-day Highlights of China (https://www.bambootravel.co.uk/tours/highlights-of-china) which is perfect for the first-time visitor.  The classic tour of China takes in some of the cultural, historical, and scenic highlights and includes discovering the historical treasures of Beijing, an overnight sleeper train to Xi'an, where the Terracotta Warriors await on their eternal watch. Also included is the Great Wall of China and a cruise along the Li River to Yangshuo.

The holiday costs from £3950 pp (two sharing) which includes international flights, all transportation, 10 nights' B&B (plus six lunches and including the overnight train), and an English-speaking guide.

For further information call 020 7720 9285 (bambootravel.co.uk).