Beijing has solidified its position as a world-class tourism destination, ranking 7th globally in the prestigious World Tourism Cities Development Report (2024-2025). The Chinese capital moved up one spot from the previous year's ranking, signaling its growing appeal among sophisticated international travelers.
The comprehensive report, released at the World Conference on Tourism Cooperation and Development 2025, evaluates cities across multiple tourism performance metrics. New York, Tokyo and Paris claimed the top three positions, while other Chinese cities also showed strong performance with Shanghai ranking 9th and Hong Kong placing 11th.
Smart Tourism: China's Digital Dominance
The report reveals a striking trend: five Chinese cities — Macao, Hong Kong, Hangzhou, Shanghai and Beijing — dominated the global top 10 for city intelligence. This achievement underscores China's leadership in smart city development, digital infrastructure, and AI-enhanced travel experiences that are redefining modern tourism.
From facial recognition systems at attractions to real-time translation apps and personalized itinerary recommendations, Chinese cities are setting new benchmarks for technological integration in hospitality and travel services.
Official data confirms Beijing's rising popularity: From January to July 2025, the city welcomed approximately 2.92 million inbound tourists — representing a substantial 46.2% year-on-year increase.
Beijing's Competitive Edge in Global Tourism
Another significant assessment released at the conference — the World Tourism Destination Potential Competitive Index Report (2025) — positioned Beijing even higher, at fifth place worldwide. This joint publication from WTCF and the Pacific Asia Travel Association evaluated destinations across 10 criteria including cultural appeal, safety, infrastructure, and sustainability.
Shanghai also demonstrated strong potential in this evaluation, securing ninth position globally.
Where Ancient Heritage Meets Modern Innovation
PATA Chairman Peter Semone highlighted Beijing's unique appeal during the conference proceedings. "Beijing now boasts more world heritage designations than any other city in the world," Semone noted. "This is not just a badge of honor. It is the result of long-term, deliberate policy to preserve, protect and promote cultural assets."
He particularly praised Beijing's seamless integration of ancient cultural treasures with technological advancement, as well as its leadership in MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) tourism.
The Bigger Picture: Global Tourism's Smart Transformation
The conference, themed "Smart Tourism for a Win-Win Future," brought together nearly 400 delegates from 66 countries and regions. As part of the ongoing 2025 China International Fair for Trade in Services, the event served as a crucial platform for exploring emerging trends and fostering international cooperation in the rapidly evolving smart tourism landscape.
Beijing's ascent in the global tourism rankings reflects a broader transformation occurring across China's tourism industry. The combination of rich cultural heritage, cutting-edge technology, and strategic infrastructure development creates a compelling value proposition for international travelers seeking both authentic cultural experiences and modern convenience.
For global travelers planning their next adventure, Beijing represents the perfect synthesis of ancient wonder and future-ready innovation — a destination where centuries-old temples stand alongside AI-enhanced visitor experiences, and where traditional hospitality meets digital convenience.
Ready to experience Beijing's unique blend of ancient culture and modern innovation? Explore our comprehensive travel guides to make the most of your visit to this rising global tourism destination.