UnionPay and IHG Unveil Exclusive Discounts for International Travelers to China
UnionPay and IHG Collaboration
Shanghai, August 8, 2025 — UnionPay International (UPI), a leader in global payment solutions, has unveiled an exclusive promotion in collaboration with InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG). This exciting initiative aims specifically at enhancing the travel experience for international visitors in China by offering significant discounts on hotel bookings.
Promotion Highlights
Global UnionPay credit cardholders can enjoy an instant discount of up to 15% when staying at select hotels in mainland China. The promotion encompasses over 500 designated hotels that support UnionPay's online payment system, allowing travelers to enjoy a seamless payment experience during their stay.
IHG, renowned for its extensive portfolio of over 20 hotel brands, includes luxury options such as Six Senses, Regent, and InterContinental, alongside premium and mid-range brands like Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn. With more than 530 hotels now accepting UnionPay online payments, this partnership is a boon for international travelers.
Booking Process and Discounts
The promotion is available from June 10 to October 31, 2025. Travelers using UnionPay credit cards issued outside of China can book participating hotels through the official IHG website or the IHG One Rewards Mobile App. Those holding cards issued in South Korea or UnionPay SplendorPlus credit cards are entitled to a 15% discount, capped at 400 RMB. Other international UnionPay cardholders will receive a 10% discount, limited to 200 RMB.
UnionPay’s Global Reach
UnionPay boasts an expansive network across China, with nearly universal acceptance at ATMs and many merchants. The card, which has been issued to over 200 million users in 83 countries, ensures that international visitors can benefit from real-time currency conversion without hefty fees. Furthermore, many international mobile wallets support UnionPay QR codes, streamlining in-store purchases without necessitating additional applications.
Visitors can also link their overseas UnionPay cards to platforms like Alipay or WeChat Pay, enabling access to promotional discounts without incurring extra charges.
Introducing SplendorPlus
To further enrich the experience of international guests in China, UnionPay launched the SplendorPlus card last year. This card is specifically designed for foreign visitors and includes numerous benefits, such as exclusive airport privileges, access to popular tourist attractions, culinary experiences, and even 1% cashback on expenditures made within mainland China. Currently, UnionPay International has collaborated with 56 financial institutions across 20 overseas markets to promote the SplendorPlus program, resulting in more than 10 million cards issued.
About InterContinental Hotels Group
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) is a prestigious global hotel management entity that operates in 110 countries with a total of over 6,000 hotels. The company’s product range spans luxury, premium, and mid-range brands, catering to a diverse clientele and ensuring that travelers have the best possible accommodation options.
About UnionPay International
UnionPay International focuses on broadening and supporting the global reach of UnionPay services. With partnerships including 2,600 affiliates worldwide, UPI ensures card acceptance in 183 countries and regions, facilitating secure and effective cross-border payment services for a vast user base. For global travelers, this collaboration with IHG marks a significant step in enhancing their stay in China, providing not only excellent accommodation options but also making payments easier and more affordable.
In conclusion, this exclusive promotion by UnionPay and IHG highlights their commitment to improving travel payment experiences for international visitors, ensuring memorable stays in China.
For more information, visit the official IHG website and explore the exciting offers available today!