Shanghai municipal government has initiated its 15th Five-Year urban tourism development plan with goals to reach over 900 billion yuan ($134.5 billion) in annual tourism revenue, attract more than 10 million inbound visitors annually, and increase tourism value-added to 5 percent of the local GDP by 2030.
The plan outlines three main objectives: solidifying Shanghai as China’s primary gateway for inbound tourism, positioning it as a top urban tourism destination, and establishing it as a pilot zone for deep cultural and tourism integration, according to the Shanghai Administration of Culture and Tourism.
Tourism Growth During the 14th Five-Year Plan
Between 2021 and 2025, Shanghai recorded 425 million
tourist arrivals, generating 672.365 billion yuan in tourism revenue. The city experienced average annual growth rates of 12.39 percent in tourist arrivals and 16.45 percent in tourism revenue from 2020 to 2025.
Shanghai also led China in foreign inbound visitor numbers, accounting for one-fifth of all international arrivals into the country in 2025.
Expansion of Cultural-Tourism Integration
The integration of culture and tourism intensified with 61,400 commercial performances staged in 2025, doubling the total from 2020. The city hosted over 1,500 cultural and art exhibitions that year, attracting more than 50 million visitors, with over 60 percent coming from other Chinese provinces.
Development of Tourism Infrastructure and Zones
Shanghai plans
to construct a world-class riverside tourism belt along the Huangpu River and Suzhou Creek, featuring seven distinct waterfront zones such as the Bund, Xuhui West Bund, and the Expo area. These waterfronts will be transformed from simple sightseeing locations to multi-experience urban destinations.
The urban tourism layout will include enhanced downtown cultural clusters and suburban themed tourism belts emphasizing auto culture, ancient town wellness, and industrial heritage. By 2030, the city targets developing 100 key rural tourism villages and 100 municipal-level community attractions.
Integrated Industrial and Tourism Development
The plan promotes deeper coordination among culture, commerce, tourism, sports, and exhibitions sectors. Industrial tourism development will
focus on smart manufacturing and mega infrastructure with immersive experiences.
Rural tourism will evolve from day trips to overnight stays, supported by micro-resort development. Urban parks will prioritize quality improvement with open perimeters and integrated cultural, sports, and arts programming to increase visitor consumption.
Zhao Yong, director of the Shanghai Administration of Culture and Tourism, highlighted the ongoing drive to innovate diverse, personalized, and high-quality tourism products to enhance connections between residents, visitors, and the city.
