Finland is rapidly growing in popularity as a destination for Chinese tourists, and China is currently the leading Asian source market for Finnish tourism. There are many reasons to consider Finland as a great holiday destination- it is famously beautiful, with incomparable natural landscapes. Finland has 39 national parks filled with stunning views and unique wildlife, and the country is famous for its many beautiful lakes. Many lakes offer fishing and boating, and a stay in a rustic Finnish lakeside cottage is the perfect escape from busy city living- isolated, beautiful, and relaxing.
Safety is also a significant consideration for Chinese tourists, and Finland is one of the safest countries in the world to visit. It consistently ranks near the top on lists of the world’s safest countries- ranked 10th on the Global Peace Index Map for 2025 and 13th safest country by World Population Review. Violent crime is incredibly rare in Finland, especially in the summer when the country is cast in almost perpetual daylight. Another consideration is ease of travel- there are several direct flights between China and Finland, allowing tourists to concern themselves less with logistics of the journey. Finland also boasts stunning architecture, with capital city Helsinki showcasing a range of neoclassical, Art Nouveau, and modernist styles. The third largest Nordic city, Helsinki is a cultural hub of cuisine, architecture, and literature. China has also demonstrated a love of Moomins and Tove Jansson, author of the beloved Moomin series, hails from the city, which is filled with ‘Moominvalley magic’!
The tourism authorities of Finland, Norway, Sweden and Denmark have formed a partnership with leading Chinese online travel platform Mafengwo, catering to the influx of Chinese tourists in Northern Europe. The countries aim to create travel guides and content aimed at Chinese visitors- Mafengwo’s platform is huge and offers personalised information tailored to the user’s preferences. This ought to bring in even more tourism to Finland in the coming years. Helsinki Airport was one of the first European airports to introduce AliPay as a payment method, a decision that inspired other outlets in Helsinki, including Moomin shops, to use the service. Having AliPay available allows Chinese tourists to feel welcomed, as well as improving the convenience of their visit to Finland. Helsinki has also created a custom WeChat app that combines tailored recommendations, mobility planning, and purchase options for Chinese tourists to the city. The first of its kind, it is a bold move to embrace the Chinese market.
1. Lapland
Lapland is the northernmost region of Finland and offers a unique and beautiful experience to the Chinese tourist. It offers some of the best opportunities to witness the magical Northern Lights in the winter, while the summer showcases the Midnight Sun (24 hours of daylight from May to August). Lapland is the ultimate destination for travellers looking to connect with nature and truly appreciate Finland’s forests, lakes, and snow. It is known for its clean air and unique natural landscapes and offers the perfect holiday to Chinese tourists- it will appeal to older generations because of its serene and beautiful atmosphere, as well as to younger generations who are leaning more into experience-based holidays exploring nature. Lapland is famously home of Santa Claus, and no trip to Lapland is complete without a visit to Santa Claus Village. Open year-round, the festive experience is whimsical and comforting, full of fun for both children and adults.
2. Archipelago National Park
Located in Southwest Finland, the Archipelago National Park is part of the Archipelago Sea, a region known for ecological richness and culture. There are shuttle ship connections to the inhabited islands within the park, and visitors may move freely by boat. It is a popular camping destination, offering activities based in nature like hiking, canoeing, cycling and swimming. Archipelago National Park is well-suited to tourists looking to experience a more active holiday, while also offering breathtaking views and natural landscapes that make for a relaxing and peaceful environment.
3. Helsinki
Helsinki is the capital of Finland with one of the highest standards of living in the world, and boasts some of Scandinavia’s most stunning architecture, best cuisine, and beautiful tourist attractions. The buildings are simultaneously elegant and majestic, which can be seen from the public library to the Museum of Contemporary Art and the city is also a UNESCO City of Design. Helsinki has a more laid-back lifestyle, one that contrasts quite heavily with city life in China, so visitors can take the time to fully relax and enjoy the city’s peaceful cafes and lively nightclubs. The city is also famous for its sauna culture- home to many public saunas, a visit is sure to leave you feeling clear-headed and refreshed. As the third largest city in Scandinavia, Helsinki offers dishes to satisfy every palate, from traditional Nordic comfort food to a wide variety of Asian restaurants.
4. Porvoo
The Old Town area of Porvoo in Finland is one of the most popular attractions for visitors to the country, displaying exquisite architecture and a lot of history. A one-hour bus from Helsinki, Porvoo is a popular tourist destination, attracting over 1.6 million visitors a year. Its streets are cobblestone and there are many coloured wooden houses, making it the perfect place to escape for a picturesque break from city life. Porvoo is also known for its food scene- full of charming cafes and traditional Finnish restaurants, it makes a wonderful day trip from Helsinki and must be factored into a visit to the capital.
5. Turku
Finland’s oldest city and the former capital, Turku is a beautiful place filled with history. With a grand cathedral, a castle, a former prison that now serves as a museum, and many restaurants, it is a great place to stay and experience true Finnish culture. Finland is well known for its love of coffee- (Finns drink more coffee than anyone else in the world!)- and Turku is home to many coffee shops and cafes where you can experience authentic coffee like the Finns. There are also many marketplaces and second hand shops selling vintage clothes, which are sure to appeal to the demographic of Gen Z Chinese tourists.
More Chinese tourists are visiting Finland and Scandinavia each year, enjoying the culture and nature that Northern Europe offers. If you are looking to appeal to the Chinese market, or curious about modern Chinese travel trends, get in touch with Guanxi.