China bookings surge as Aussies discover new favourite holiday spot
While Japan remains on top of Aussies' travel hit lists, another Asian country has quietly been growing in popularity with tourists.
China is back on the map for international travellers, with a huge surge of tourists looking to explore the country after it relaxed its visa rules in 2024.
The latest data shows there's been about a 20 per cent increase in Australian visitors to China, making it our fifth-most visited country.
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Aussies are increasingly interested in travelling to China. Getty
But Aussies aren't just hitting the hotspots. Though Beijing and Shanghai are major hubs, travellers are seeking out more unique experiences.
In a recent list of trending destinations for the next six months, four Chinese cities made the top ten: Guangzhou, Beijing, Shenzhen, and Shanghai.
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Small group tour company Intrepid reports a 70 per cent year-on-year increase for Aussies booking trips to China.
Natalie Kidd, Managing Director of Asia for Intrepid Travel, tells 9Travel: "What's really drawing travellers in is China's incredible depth of culture, food, history, and regional diversity."
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China is incredibly diverse. Getty
Intrepid offers a variety of itineraries for travellers heading to China.
"The new Southern China Highlights trip takes travellers beyond the well-trodden path, visiting cities like Changsha and Chongqing, and showcasing the region's diverse culture, cuisine and landscapes."
The company also offers train-based tours, connecting travellers to neighbouring countries like Mongolia - another great under-the-radar destination.
"Travelling by train highlights parts of China that remain largely undiscovered, where travellers can sample nomadic food traditions, take in vast grassland horizons, and enjoy lush mountain scenery while connecting with local communities."
Changsha is an underrated destination in China. Getty
For Aussie and Kiwi travellers, demand for China travel has more than doubled following the 2024 visa-waiver program, says Intrepid data.
Australians looking to travel to China for short trips no longer need to obtain a visa. The move was part of a plan to help boost tourism between the two countries - and it's worked.
"As one of the last destinations to open its doors to tourists post-COVID, China's tourism sector has been severely impacted," a spokesperson for Intrepid Travel told 9Travel last year when the news was announced.
Aussies can now visit China for 15 days without needing to apply for - or pay over $100 for - a visa.
Explore Xingping on a traditional wooden raft. Getty
Best places to visit in China
As the world's third-largest country, it's safe to say that China is an incredibly diverse place to visit. No matter what you want, you'll be able to find it there.
Natalie from Intrepid points to Yangshuo as an emerging destination that travellers should consider, which is featured on their Premium China trip.
"Set along the Li River and surrounded by mountain peaks, Yangshuo is a haven for outdoor recreation, river cruising and village life, where travellers can discover a slower, more scenic side of China," she tells 9Travel.
Another great place to see is Chongqing. "Built into steep hillsides where the Yangtze and Jialing rivers meet, Chongqing is known for its fiery hotpot, buzzing riverfront and blend of modern and traditional architecture," she says.
Beijing has a great mix of history and modernity. Getty
Some other spots to consider when building an itinerary include:
- Beijing - best for a big city vibe
- Xi'an (Shaanxi Province) - best for history and culture
- Guizhou - best for nature and scenery
- Chengdu (Sichuan Province) - best for food
- Hong Kong - best if you only have a few days
- Shenzhen - best for modern culture
