Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data showed the number of Australian residents visiting China surged 85.32 per cent in 2024, to 580,500, compared to the year before (313,240).

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.

“It’s a big group, about 90 or so in total. We had 27 on our bus,” Reuben explained, adding that travellers came from cities across Australia before meeting in Beijing to begin their journey.

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.

“We’re still selling. We’re still putting on more and more departures to handle the demands of the consumers that want to travel on these packages,” he said.

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.

“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.”