Shanghai ports recorded 42.85 million inbound and outbound passenger trips in 2025, a year-on-year increase of 17.9 percent.

Throughout the year, the ports handled 302,000 transport movements, including aircraft and vessels, an 11.4 percent rise from 2024.

In terms of air travel, Pudong and Hongqiao airports handled 39.9 million exit-entry passenger trips, accounting for 28.9 percent of the national total, making Shanghai China's top air gateway for the 23rd consecutive year.

Maritime activity remained strong, with 45,000 ship arrivals and departures recorded. This performance helped reinforce Shanghai Port's status as the world leader in container throughput for the 16th consecutive year.

International flight operations continued to expand, with 257,000 inbound and outbound flights, up 13.2 percent year-on-year.

Optimized visa policies also contributed to the surge in international visitors. In 2025, Shanghai ports processed 5.66 million inbound trips by foreign travelers, of whom 5.59 million arrived via airports, representing a 39.7 percent increase from the previous year.

Tourism, business, family visits, and employment were the main purposes for entry, with tourism making up 58.5 percent of the total.

Notably, 3.29 million entries by foreign travelers were recorded under visa-free entry or 240-hour visa-free transit policies, representing 58 percent of all foreign arrivals.

Cruise travel also recorded significant growth. In 2025, Shanghai immigration authorities handled 538 inbound and outbound cruise ships and 1.83 million passenger trips, up about 16.2 percent and 34.4 percent year-on-year, respectively.

Source: Xinmin Evening News