As India reopens to Chinese tourists, spiritual circuits and heritage trails await new influx

India-China Tourism Reopens: New Spiritual Travel Boost

After a five-year pause, India and China are set to rekindle their tourism ties with the resumption of e-visas for Chinese nationals — a move that has been widely welcomed by India’s travel and hospitality sectors. This revival comes not just as a boost for inbound tourism numbers, but as a cultural bridge-building opportunity that taps into shared heritage, ancient spiritual links, and long-standing historical curiosity between the two Asian giants.

A History of Connection: China’s Evolving Travel Interest in India

Until 2019, Chinese tourists formed a small but significant portion of India's inbound travel market. That year, nearly 3 lakh Chinese nationals visited India, accounting for 2.7% of total foreign tourist arrivals. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent border tensions led to a suspension of e-visas and group travel. Now, with diplomatic ties warming and both nations reopening borders, a new chapter of travel exchange is unfolding.

Historically, India has always piqued the interest of Chinese travellers — not only for its majestic architecture and bustling cities but more deeply for its role as the birthplace of Buddhism, a religion that travelled to China over 2,000 years ago. From the travels of ancient monk Xuanzang to the modern-day pilgrimage trails, India’s spiritual pull has long shaped cross-border cultural exchanges.

Popular Destinations Among Chinese Tourists

Before the pause, Chinese tourists frequently travelled in groups, typically exploring India’s famed Golden Triangle circuit — Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. The Taj Mahal, with its timeless symbolism of love, topped most itineraries, followed by Red Fort, Amber Palace, and Qutub Minar.

Major metros like Delhi and Mumbai served as gateways, offering a mix of heritage, shopping, and urban experiences. Over time, many travellers extended their journeys to include Southern India (Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka), where temple architecture, Ayurveda, and coastal serenity provided a sharp contrast to the Golden Triangle’s Mughal grandeur.

A Spiritual Reawakening: Buddhist and Religious Circuits Take Centre Stage

With the revival of travel, India is betting big on its spiritual circuits to draw the attention of Chinese travellers — particularly the Buddhist Circuit. Sites like Bodh Gaya, where Buddha attained enlightenment, and Sarnath, where he delivered his first sermon, are expected to experience a surge in Chinese pilgrim-tourists.

The Mahabodhi Temple, Vishnupad Temple, and newly curated circuits that trace Buddha’s journey through Bihar and Uttar Pradesh are receiving renewed government attention. Tour operators are also building itineraries that include Nalanda, Rajgir, and Kushinagar, aiming to deliver a cohesive, immersive spiritual experience.

Beyond Buddhism, Indian tourism stakeholders see potential in showcasing Jain pilgrimage routes, Hindu sites, and even yoga retreats, which are gaining popularity among health-conscious Chinese millennials and Gen Z travellers.

Infrastructure, Visas, and the New Push

On July 24, the Embassy of India in China confirmed that Chinese nationals can now apply for Indian e-visas online, including through missions in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. This reinstatement of the visa facility — suspended in 2020 — follows China’s reopening of group tours to India and reflects a broader diplomatic easing.

Tourism experts say this move could add significant momentum to India’s goal of expanding inbound arrivals and revitalising regional tourism hubs. With India’s Ministry of Tourism actively promoting heritage trails, international roadshows, and multilingual travel apps, Chinese tourists are expected to benefit from more curated and accessible experiences than ever before.