China's City Tourist Satisfaction and Attraction Service Quaility Rankings

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In general, Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Chengdu , Kunming, Guanzhou, Xian, Chongqing, Shenzhen are most popular inbound tourist cities, with high satisfaction evaluation due to large tourists arrival, good service quaility, tourism facility, inbound tourist environment.

China Popular Tourist Favour and Satisfaction City Ranking

Ranking of China's Top 10 Tourist Cities

Shanghai
A global metropolis, Shanghai captivates visitors with its modern skyline and vibrant cultural scene. Must-visit spots include the Bund and the Oriental Pearl Tower.

Shenzhen
As a leading special economic zone, Shenzhen blends cutting-edge technology with scenic landscapes. Highlights include Window of the World and Happy Valley.

Guangzhou
A historic and culturally significant city, Guangzhou offers a mix of ancient heritage and contemporary commercial hubs. Top attractions include Baiyun Mountain and a night cruise on the Pearl River.

Chongqing
Known for its dramatic 8D cityscape and famous spicy cuisine, Chongqing is a must-visit. Key sites include Hongya Cave and Ciqikou Ancient Town.

Chengdu
Often called the "Leisure Capital," Chengdu attracts visitors with its laid-back lifestyle and deep cultural roots. Popular destinations include Kuanzhai Alley and Jinli Ancient Street.

Hangzhou
Dubbed "Heaven on Earth," Hangzhou is famous for its breathtaking natural scenery and rich cultural history. The West Lake and Lingyin Temple are must-sees.

Xi’an
As an ancient capital with a wealth of historical landmarks, Xi’an is a dream destination for history lovers. Major attractions include the Terracotta Warriors, the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, and more.

Wuhan
Often referred to as "River City," Wuhan is renowned for its Yangtze River views and cultural heritage. Notable sites include the Yellow Crane Tower and East Lake.

Nanjin
A historic city with a blend of ancient landmarks and modern developments, Nanjing’s highlights include the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum and Confucius Temple.

Ranking of top 10 inbound tourism cities in 2024

Shanghai – Received 9.77 million inbound overnight tourists, recovering to over 80% of 2019 levels.

Shenzhen – Welcomed 6.71 million inbound tourists, with 85% of visits from Hong Kong residents and 97% from Hong Kong and Macao combined.

Beijing – Hosted 3.21 million foreign visitors. As a city with profound cultural heritage and modern urban appeal, Beijing maintains strong international recognition and attractiveness.

Guangzhou – While specific 2024 figures were not detailed, data from Sanqi ranks Guangzhou as the fourth most visited city.

Chengdu – Ranked first among the most searched cities by foreign tourists and consistently appears in the top three of various inbound tourism lists.

Hangzhou – A top-ranking city frequently searched by inbound tourists.

Xi’an – Highly ranked among the most searched cities for foreign travelers.

Chongqing – Another frequently searched destination among international visitors.

Qingdao – Ranked among the top searched cities for inbound tourists.

Key Factors Driving Inbound Tourism
Cultural Heritage & Historic Attractions – Cities like Beijing and Xi’an are renowned for their historical sites and cultural treasures, drawing large numbers of both domestic and international visitors.

Modern Urban Appeal & Infrastructure – Metropolises like Shanghai and Shenzhen attract tourists with their skyscrapers, bustling commercial hubs, and well-developed transportation networks.

Cuisine, Leisure & Entertainment – Cities such as Chengdu and Guangzhou are famous for their diverse culinary experiences and vibrant entertainment scenes, making them top choices for international visitors.

Tourist satisfaction evaluation of 24 inbound tour port cities by foreign travelers in 2024

Among these cities, the top 5 ranking: Shanghai, Beijing, Kunming, Guangzhou, Chengdu.

In terms of overall ratings, the three highest-scoring cities are: Chengdu, Xi'an, and Guangzhou, while the three lowest-scoring cities are: Zhengzhou, Qinhuangdao, and Nanjing.

Inbound Tourist Satisfaction by Category

1. Accommodation Satisfaction: Facilities & Soundproofing Matter.
Key factors: Comfort, cleanliness, transportation convenience, and service attitude.

Tourists prioritize well-equipped facilities, convenient locations, and good soundproofing.

Cities with lower satisfaction scores need to improve soundproofing, room infrastructure, and breakfast variety.

Top cities for accommodation satisfaction: Shanghai, Chengdu, Shijiazhuang.

2. Food Satisfaction: Traditional Culinary Hubs Are Most Popular
Key factors: Food variety, freshness, local flavors, and affordability.

Classic food capitals such as Xi'an, Chengdu, and Kunming received high praise.

Negative factors: Poor hygiene, long queues, and low cost-effectiveness.

3. Transportation Satisfaction: Public Transit vs. Traffic & Taxis
Public transport efficiency and taxi service quality are key concerns for tourists.

Shijiazhuang ranks first in public transportation satisfaction despite a relatively low number of reviews.

Shijiazhuang was designated a National Public Transport Model City in 2012.

In Q3 2020, it ranked second nationwide in public transit happiness and efficiency.

Issues in low-ranking cities: Illegal taxis and severe congestion during peak hours.

Top cities for transportation satisfaction: Shijiazhuang, Shanghai, Chengdu.

4. Payment Satisfaction: Mobile Payment Praised, Foreign Currency Issues Persist
Mobile payments are widely praised, but limited support for foreign currency and international credit cards lowers satisfaction.

Small businesses in some cities do not accept foreign currency or international cards, impacting tourist convenience.

Top cities for payment satisfaction: Chongqing, Hangzhou, Chengdu.

5. Scenic Spot Satisfaction: Natural & Historical Sites Favored
Cities with the highest scenic spot satisfaction include Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Hangzhou, thanks to rich cultural and natural attractions.

Chengdu’s panda tourism is particularly well-received.

Common complaints: Overcrowding, poor facility maintenance, and outdoor smoking.

6. Business District Satisfaction: Shopping Diversity vs. Parking Issues
Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Shanghai are praised for their variety of shopping experiences.

Common issues in lower-ranking cities: Limited parking, outdated shopping facilities, and slow elevators.

Wuhan’s business districts face complaints about overcrowding and parking difficulties.

If any changes and updates, please contact us for revision.