Key Points
- The appeal of China as a travel destination for Australians is growing, spurred by a new 30-day, visa-free travel policy.
- Experts caution that low-cost tour packages may have extra charges, recommending well-known providers.
- Travel statistics reveal Australian tourism to China has bounced back to levels seen before the pandemic.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), visits by Australians to China jumped 85.32 percent in 2024, tallying 580,500, up from 313,240 the previous year.
Elisabeth Kwong and her husband, Reuben Kwong, signed up for a 10-day guided tour of China. Source: Supplied / Elisabeth Kwong
The trend has continued into 2025, with the number of Australian residents visiting China in February rising by 73.6 per cent compared to February 2024 (40,670), reaching 70,590, according to the ABS.
“Our group was quite large, about 90 participants. We had 27 on our bus,” Reuben explained, noting travelers converged from various Australian cities in Beijing to commence their tour.
The Kwong couple visited five cities in China during their 10-day trip in April. Source: Supplied / Elisabeth Kwong
The group travelled through five cities, starting in Beijing and continuing through Wuxi, Hangzhou, and Suzhou, before wrapping up their trip in Shanghai.
The couple admitted that they were initially drawn in by the “really cheap” price but had no idea how such a deal was possible.
“Bookings continue to pour in, prompting us to schedule more departures to meet the travel demand,” he remarked.
Industry insider James Gottschalk said Australians’ interest in China as a travel destination had been revived over the past 12 months. Source: Supplied / James Gottchalk
China’s booming inbound tourism industry is being driven by strong government backing, according to Dr Jun Wen, professor at the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Macau University of Science and Technology.
“The country’s robust economy, rich culture, developed infrastructure, and diverse tourism resources all contribute to its growing status as a top international travel destination,” he said.
Dr Jun Wen believes that China is poised for a promising future in the international tourism market. Source: Supplied / Dr Jun Wen
While low-cost group tours may seem appealing, Dr Wen advises travellers to be cautious and choose reputable tour providers.
“I think it was okay visiting the factories, but probably less time at them,” she said.
When we were at the jade factory, I kept looking at my watch and thinking ‘when are we leaving? I’m ready to go hike the Great Wall’.
Elisabeth Kwong
“For example, with the Shanghai River cruise, it costs 280 yuan per person, and when we were given the ticket for the boat cruise, it’s got 150 yuan on it,” Elisabeth recalled.
Elisabeth said they were charged more for optional tours than the official prices during their trip to China. Source: SBS / Elisabeth Kwong
Despite the add-ons, she said she didn’t mind spending a bit more, given how cheap the tour was overall.
“But if there were a comparable price on another tour that didn’t go to the industries and factories, then I would probably consider that.”
