Shanghai unveils 15th Five-Year urban tourism plan

By 2030, Shanghai aims to achieve over 900 billion yuan ($134.5 billion) in annual tourism revenue, attract more than 10 million inbound visitors annually, and have tourism value-added account for 5 percent of the local GDP, according to the 15th Five-Year Plan for innovative development of urban tourism released on Tuesday.

The plan, issued by the Shanghai municipal government, sets three core goals: to become China's leading gateway for inbound tourism, a premier urban tourism destination, and a pilot zone for deep integration of culture and tourism.

During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25), Shanghai made solid progress as a world-renowned tourist city. In 2025, it recorded 425 million tourist arrivals and took in 672.365 billion yuan in tourism revenue, posting average annual growth of 12.39 percent and 16.45 percent, respectively, from 2020. Foreign inbound visitors accounted for one-fifth of China's total, ranking first nationwide.

Cultural-tourism integration continued to expand. The city hosted 61,400 commercial performances in 2025, doubling the 2020 figure; over 1,500 cultural and art exhibitions drew more than 50 million visitors, over 60 percent of whom traveled from other provinces.

On spatial layout, Shanghai will advance integrated urban-scenic development. It will build a world-class riverside tourism belt along the Huangpu River and Suzhou Creek, with seven distinctive waterfront zones — including the Bund, Xuhui West Bund, and Expo area — upgrading waterfronts from single sightseeing spots to multi-experience urban destinations. It will also optimize downtown cultural clusters and develop suburban themed tourism belts covering auto culture, ancient town wellness, and industrial heritage — targeting 100 key rural tourism villages and 100 community attractions above municipal level by 2030.

On industrial integration, the city will deepen coordination between culture, commerce, tourism, sports, and exhibitions. Industrial tourism will emphasize smart manufacturing and mega infrastructure, offering immersive experiences. Meanwhile, rural tourism will shift from day trips to overnight stays by developing micro-resorts. Urban parks will transition from expanding in number to improving in quality, featuring open perimeters and integrated cultural, sports, and arts programs to boost consumption.

In terms of services — besides improving transport-tourism integration, optimizing air-rail intermodal and waterway networks, and enhancing scenic area connectivity — the city will upgrade its one-stop smart platform for inbound visitors and expand tax refund coverage to increase convenience.

According to Zhao Yong, director of the Shanghai Administration of Culture and Tourism, the city will continue to innovate with diverse, personalized, and high-quality tourism offerings, "so that every resident and visitor can feel a deeper connection with the city — encountering the scenery and discovering a better version of themselves."