China's foreign ministry confirmed at the weekend visa-free entry will be permitted for tourism, business and VFR travel.
The policy, one of prime minister Keir Starmer's big wins from a recent visit to China, will initially run until the end of the year.
It brings the UK into line with around 50 other countries, including Australia, France and Germany.
More than 600,000 people travelled to China in 2024 according to the Office for National Statistics.
The news last month was keenly received by operators and particularly China specialists, including Wendy Wu Tours.
Head of trade sales Gary King said visa-free access would remove "one of the biggest practical and psychological barriers British travellers have faced".
Others said it would boost consumer confidence and open up the country to a wave of first-time visitors.
'Strong booking window'
On Monday, King said Wendy Wu Tours had seen a 35% year-on-year increase in enquiries for China since the announcement in late-January and "a clear uplift" in bookings as confidence returns.
"The confirmation of visa-free travel for UK passport holders until the end of 2026 represents a significant commercial opportunity for the travel trade," King told TTG.
"While the policy is currently confirmed until 31 December 2026, that clarity creates a strong booking window for agents to capitalise on. Customers now have certainty for travel throughout 2026, and we expect demand to accelerate as awareness grows."
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TransIndus welcomed confirmation of the policy at the weekend, saying it marked "a significant shift in accessibility for British travellers considering China".
“This announcement removes one of the final barriers for British travellers considering China,” said managing director Amrit Singh.
“We are already seeing strong renewed interest, particularly among travellers seeking expert-led, culturally immersive journeys, whether in small groups or on a private, tailor-made basis.”
TransIndus added the decision coincided with China's Lunar New Year celebrations starting on Tuesday, which it said it expects "to stimulate renewed interest in cultural and leisure travel across the country".
