The Tourism Law was promulgated in 2013 and amended in 2016 and 2018 respectively. The latest revision entered into force on October 26, 2018.

There are 112 articles in total.

The key points are as follows:

1.This law shall apply to tours, vacations, recreations and other forms of tourism activities within the territory of China and the said forms of tourism activities that are outbound but organized within the territory of China and the business activities providing relevant services for tourism activities.

2.Outbound tourists may not illegally stay abroad, and outbound tourists in a touring group may not divide the group into sub-groups or leave the group without permission. Inbound tourists may not illegally stay in China, and inbound tourists in a touring group may not divide the group into sub-groups or leave the group without permission.

3.A travel agency established to attract, organize, and receive tourists, and provide tourism services for them shall obtain the permit from the administrative department of tourism.

4.Where the personal or property safety of a tourist is in danger, he or she shall have the right to request the tourism operator, local people’s government and relevant institutions to provide assistance in a timely manner. Where any Chinese outbound tourist sticks in the mire abroad, he or she shall have the right to request the local Chinese institution to provide him or her with assistance and protection within the scope of its duties.