Inbound tourism in Zhengzhou continues to gain momentum this summer, drawing consistent attention from travel agencies and cultural tourism institutions. Qunar recently released the 2026 First-Half Inbound Tourism Report. The data shows that the top 20 Chinese destinations favored by international travelers in the first half of 2026 include Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Hangzhou, Xiamen, Haikou, Qingdao, Chongqing, Fuzhou, Kunming, Nanjing, Shenyang, Xi'an, Wuhan, Harbin, Changsha, Dalian, and Zhengzhou. Like Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, and Xi'an, Zhengzhou recorded double-digit year-on-year growth in inbound tourism, reflecting its growing international appeal.
The report notes that by June 30th, 2026, inbound flight bookings made by visitors holding non-Chinese passports on the Qunar platform covered 160 domestic cities, 20 more locations than the same period last year. First-tier cities and regional hub cities remain top picks for overseas visitors thanks to mature international services. As a pivotal national central city and comprehensive transport hub in central China, Zhengzhou has successfully broken into the TOP 20 list, emerging as a significant growth driver for inbound tourism in the region.
While Zhengzhou offers many attractions for global tourists, none is more iconic on the world stage than its Chinese Kung Fu. Every year, a large number of overseas tourists travel to the foot of Songshan Mountain to experience the unique oriental culture where Zen and martial arts converge. Since 2025, global internet influencer Speed, along with NBA stars such as Victor Wembanyama, Jaylen Brown, and Keldon Johnson, have visited the area, further amplifying the global reach of Chinese Kung Fu as a signature cultural tourism brand of Zhengzhou.
Beyond Kung Fu, the Historic Monuments of Dengfeng in "The Centre of Heaven and Earth," a UNESCO World Heritage site comprising the Songshan World Geopark and Songyang Academy, serve as an important gateway for international visitors to explore ancient Chinese civilization.
Zhengzhou has continuously enriched its cultural and tourism offerings over recent years, with a range of immersive and experiential new attractions gaining popularity among inbound tourists. Unique Henan: Land of Dramas, with its immersive theatrical performances showcasing Central Plains culture, has become a must-visit spot for many foreign visitors seeking to understand the Yellow River civilization. Iconic sites such as the Zhengzhou Shang Dynasty Capital Historical and Cultural District and the Yellow River Cultural Park have also enhanced their international services to improve the visitor experience.
Meanwhile, the benefits of the 240-hour visa-free transit policy continue to boost inbound travel to Zhengzhou. As a major comprehensive transportation hub in China, Zhengzhou boasts an asterisk-shaped high-speed rail network and Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport, with an increasing number of international routes. The combined advantages of visa-free access and seamless connectivity have made Zhengzhou an increasingly popular destination or transit city for overseas visitors.
