On October 13, 2026, Shanghai released its 15th Five-Year Plan for innovative urban tourism development, setting targets to exceed 900 billion yuan (around $134.5 billion) in annual tourism revenue and attract more than 10 million inbound visitors annually by 2030. The plan focuses on positioning Shanghai as China’s primary gateway for inbound tourism, a top urban tourism destination, and a pilot zone for integrating culture and tourism.
Shanghai Tourism Growth During 14th Five-Year Plan
During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), Shanghai recorded 425 million tourist arrivals in 2025, generating 672.365 billion yuan in tourism revenue. This represented an average annual growth rate from 2020 to 2025
of 12.39 percent in tourist arrivals and 16.45 percent in tourism income. Foreign inbound visitors to Shanghai accounted for one-fifth of China’s total in 2025, the highest share nationwide.
Expansion of Cultural-Tourism Integration
In 2025, Shanghai hosted 61,400 commercial performances, doubling the number held in 2020. The city also organized over 1,500 cultural and art exhibitions that attracted more than 50 million visitors, of whom over 60 percent came from outside Shanghai. These figures mark significant growth in cultural-tourism integration during the current development phase.
Spatial Development and Waterfront Upgrades
Shanghai plans a world-class riverside tourism belt along the Huangpu River and Suzhou Creek, encompassing seven distinct waterfront zones
such as the Bund, Xuhui West Bund, and the Expo area. These areas will transition from single sightseeing locations to multi-experience urban destinations. The city will also optimize cultural clusters within the downtown area to enhance urban-scenic integration.
Suburban and Rural Tourism Development
The plan targets development of themed suburban tourism belts focused on auto culture, ancient town wellness, and industrial heritage. By 2030, Shanghai aims to develop 100 key rural tourism villages and 100 community attractions above municipal level to expand tourism beyond the urban core and promote longer stays.
Industrial and Urban Tourism Integration
Shanghai intends to deepen the coordination of culture, commerce, tourism, sports, and exhibition sectors.
Industrial tourism will focus on smart manufacturing and mega infrastructure projects delivering immersive visitor experiences. Rural tourism will shift emphasis from day trips to overnight stays through micro-resort developments. Urban parks will prioritize quality enhancements featuring open perimeters combined with cultural, sports, and arts programs to increase visitor engagement and spending.
Official Outlook on Tourism Innovation
Zhao Yong, director of the Shanghai Administration of Culture and Tourism, stated that the city will continue innovating with diverse, personalized, and high-quality tourism offerings to foster deeper connections between residents, visitors, and the city.
