Weixin reports a 21% cross-border payment jump as Chinese tourism recovers

The resurgence of Chinese outbound tourism has reached a definitive milestone, underscored by a recent report from the Weixin (WeChat) team. The platform announced a robust 21% year-on-year increase in cross-border payment transactions during the first five days of the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival (Golden Week) holiday period. This surge is not merely a sign of a travel rebound but a powerful indicator of how new policy, growing digital integration, and shifting consumer behavior are transforming international commerce.

The extended 2025 Golden Week holiday served as the primary accelerator, unleashing pent-up demand for international travel. The 21% jump in Weixin Pay transactions highlights the growing significance of mobile payments as Chinese tourists pour into global destinations, particularly across Asia.

Furthermore, the data reveals that this growth is a two-way street. While mainland tourists ventured abroad, transaction volumes from Hong Kong residents spending in mainland China also saw a massive surge of over 120% year-on-year. This spending was channeled into sectors like e-commerce, courier services, and entertainment, underscoring the vital role the Greater Bay Area plays in the region’s overall economic recovery.

The most significant driver behind this cross-border boom appears to be the strategic implementation of visa-free access policies in popular Asian destinations. Countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand have simplified travel for Chinese citizens, making destinations more accessible and directly contributing to an increase in digital spending via Weixin Pay.

The results in key markets were staggering:

• South Korea saw Weixin Pay transactions climb by 46%.
• Singapore experienced a 32% increase in transactions.
• Payments processed through Malaysia’s PayNet network more than tripled in both volume and value.
• Spending in Japan rose over 25%, a feat supported by seamless integrations with local e-wallets like PayPay and auPAY.

The 21% cross-border payment surge is inextricably linked to the expanding utility of the Weixin Mini Program ecosystem. These sub-applications, embedded within the main platform, are becoming a crucial tool for tourists seeking local services abroad:

• Transportation bookings made through Mini Programs saw an increase of 2.5 times year-on-year, driven by platforms like Uber, Grab, and DiDi.
• In Hong Kong alone, ride-hailing orders booked by mainland tourists via online platforms increased more than fivefold year-on-year.
• The tourism sector overall saw a 50% increase in transactions via Mini Programs, while the catering sector grew by 30%.

Weixin Pay’s growing global presence, now operating in 92 countries and regions, is making the experience of international payments seamless. For travelers, this means bypassing the friction points of foreign exchange and cash, allowing them to make purchases, pay for services, and access local transport without hassle. The shift is also a boon for foreign businesses, with daily transaction volumes for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) abroad growing by more than 70% year-on-year, demonstrating how digital solutions are helping local businesses tap into this lucrative market.

The 21% jump in Weixin’s cross-border payments during Golden Week is more than just a holiday data point; it is a blueprint for the future of international travel and digital commerce. It confirms that the post-pandemic rebound is strong, but critically, it shows that digital integration—fueled by smart policy, local partnerships, and versatile Mini Programs—is now the foundation of modern cross-border spending. As millions of Chinese tourists continue to explore the world with their familiar mobile wallet, Weixin Pay is poised to cement its role as a major player in the global digital payment market, aiding both travelers and global economies alike.