Shanghai municipal government introduced its 15th Five-Year Plan for urban tourism aiming to exceed 900 billion yuan ($134.5 billion) in annual tourism revenue by 2030, attract over 10 million inbound visitors each year, and achieve tourism value-added contributing 5 percent of local GDP.
The plan sets three main objectives: becoming China’s premier gateway for inbound tourism, a top-tier urban tourism city, and a demonstration zone for integrated culture and tourism innovation. These targets follow strong growth during the previous plan period.
Tourism Growth Achievements from 2021 to 2025
During the 14th Five-Year Plan period spanning 2021 to 2025, Shanghai recorded 425 million tourist arrivals and generated 672.365
billion yuan in tourism revenue. Annual growth rates were 12.39 percent for visitors and 16.45 percent for revenue compared to 2020. Foreign inbound tourists made up one-fifth of China’s total arrivals, positioning Shanghai first nationwide.
Cultural-tourism integration expanded with 61,400 commercial performances staged in 2025, doubling the number from 2020. The city also hosted over 1,500 cultural and art exhibitions that year, drawing more than 50 million visitors with over 60 percent coming from outside Shanghai.
Development of Riverside Belt and Themed Tourism Zones
Shanghai plans to develop a world-class riverside tourism belt along the Huangpu River and Suzhou Creek, featuring seven distinct waterfront zones including the Bund,
Xuhui West Bund, and Expo area. These zones will be enhanced from sightseeing spots to multi-experience urban destinations combining culture, leisure, and commerce.
Further plans include optimizing downtown cultural clusters and establishing suburban themed tourism belts focused on auto culture, ancient town wellness, and industrial heritage. The city targets the development of 100 key rural tourism villages and 100 community attractions above municipal level by 2030.
Industrial Integration and Tourism Experience Upgrades
The plan emphasizes deeper coordination among culture, commerce, tourism, sports, and exhibition sectors. Industrial tourism will highlight smart manufacturing facilities and major infrastructure to provide immersive visitor experiences. Additionally, rural tourism will shift towards
overnight stays with the creation of micro-resorts replacing predominantly day-trip visits.
Urban parks will prioritize quality improvements, featuring open designs and integrated programs combining cultural, sports, and artistic activities to stimulate tourism consumption.
Zhao Yong, director of the Shanghai Administration of Culture and Tourism, indicated that tourism offerings will become more diverse, personalized, and high quality to strengthen residents’ and visitors’ connections with the city.
