Alipay has reported a remarkable increase in both inbound and outbound spending during the 2025 Chinese New Year, with Singapore emerging as the top destination for Chinese travellers. Alipay transactions by outbound Chinese tourists across its global merchant network rose by 30% year-on-year, while spending in Singapore increased by 56%, making it the most popular destination. Other destinations with significant growth included Japan, Malaysia, Hong Kong SAR, and South Korea.
The surge in spending is attributed to Alipay’s exclusive Chinese New Year campaign, which leveraged its cross-border mobile payment solutions. This allowed users of 35 e-wallets in Asia and Europe to make payments across 66 markets without currency exchange or cash.
Inbound travel spending in China also saw a substantial rise, with a 150% year-on-year increase in the first five days of the holiday. The number of inbound travellers using their home e-wallets supported by Alipay+ nearly doubled during the first four days. Visa-free policies and new payment options have been instrumental in attracting international visitors to experience Chinese New Year traditions.
Alipay’s partnerships with major payment networks like Visa and Mastercard have facilitated seamless payments for international travellers in China. This has led to a 200% increase in spending from visa-free origins.
The growth in Alipay transactions highlights the increasing demand for digital payment solutions and the appeal of personalised travel experiences. As Alipay continues to expand its global merchant network, it is poised to further enhance the travel experience for Chinese tourists and international visitors alike.
